With so many moving parts, they don't have to be very worn to give problems. As suggested, however, adjust before replacing. It works good in a stationary position because there's no load on the moving parts. I had a similar issue on a floor shifter but it was badly worn; Worked good until you drove it LOL. No power shifting THAT Hurst! Guess that's why they called that one (stock in a 68 Road Runner(?)) the "mystery shifter"

Scott