1987 B250 questions

[A_dangerlg]

I got an '87 B250 van (5.2L V8) from a friend of mine and it has a few issues that I need some advice on.

Here's the backstory: The alternator went out on the previous owner and he didnt really use the van often so he didnt replace it and let it sit for about a year straight. Then he gave me the van and I put a new alternator and battery in and it started right up and ran surprisingly well.

Here are the issues:

The gear indicator on the steering column is stuck on park.
Usually the van wont start in park so I have to shift it to neutral to start it.
The van rolls in park.
When the van is cold the transmission slips.
The transmission appears to have a small leak on the front seal.
Could these 4 issues be related? Are there any simple things I could do to resolve some or all of these issues? Are these issues serious?

Also, the van appears to have an AC compressor but it doesn't work. If I remove the compressor will it improve my gas mileage any?

One last thing. The van has 4 captain chairs but I would like to replace the 2 rear chairs with a bench. Does anyone know If I can pull out the chairs and pop in a bench without having to drill a bunch of holes?

THanks!

-Adam

[bluezuan]

Hi, all I can say about your van rolling is that I have a 94-b150 that I bought awhile back. I placed it in park and it would roll back in reverse. I called the dealer and asked if that year had transmission problems. They told me no. They looked at it and found that I was missing a bolt or washer on the linkage on the transmission. Never has rolled since. Good luck on your other problems.

[A_dangerlg]

Did you get it fixed at the dealer? About how much did it cost?

[bluezuan]

Honestly can't remember what the fee was--wasn't to much. I stopped dealing with the dealers as far as fixing my van. Their twice the amount as any other mechanic. I belong to three AAA's. And try and find a certified three AAA's mechanic. I find them more reputable and honest---as to the dealers their trying to make you buy the car twice over and then some...Good luck.

[A_dangerlg]

Do you think this is something I could do myself?

I'm no professional mechanic but I do know how to turn a wrench.