Need help for 87 shift lever

I am making some headway on my restoration project. The shift lever for the auto transmission sticks in park and will not shift into gear. The problem is with the shift lever, when you push the button on the side it will not release from Park, taking off the t-handle and pushing down on the white plastic dowel will allow for the release. Has anyone experienced this problem and if so how did you fix it, the parts are not available through Ford.

Is the button on the side broke? It may need to be replaced.

No it doesn't seem to be, it seems as though the white platic dowel is worn down and no longer depresses enough to disengage from park. Otherwise it goes through the different gears Ok.

I have similar problems with my 87 sport. only getting it into park is the problem. re-adjusted the linkage and it seemed to help but not much. its got to be the button on the shifter.funny thing is every other gear is no problem.