Shifter Linkage? 1988

I have an '88 Stanza with auto. I have to overshift to get the car in drive and in reverse. Is there an easy way to adjust the linkage? Sometimes the car won't start until you push the shifter far forward. When this happens, I sometimes get a hard knock from what sounds like the front left. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

SoCal

check the linkage directly under the shifter(under the car). the plastic bushing is most likely worn out or missing