my 02 diesel has started popping out of park if i do not make sure it is completely in.
is this usually just loose bolts on the shift tube or something bigger?

 

It can be or it might be a misalignment in the linkage.

Is there "slop" in the shift lever? If so, find it and fix it.

 

Check to see if everything is tight and adjusted correctly in your steering column. I sure hope the paw in the trans is not rounded off but that is very rare unless someone has been putting the trans in park while the truck is still moving.

 

shifter play is minimal, nothing near like it was when i first got the truck 7 years ago. the shift tube was broken and had to be replaced. this just started friday afternoon. then did it twice yesterday too.
as for putting the truck in park while still moving, that is a negative. full stop before shifting into any gear.
and i am the only one that ever drives it, so i know no one else messed it up.

oh well, i guess i need to try to get my crippled old butt under the dash to tighten the shift tube up.

 

You answered the park and moving question. I rebuilt my column and found the screws loose towards the bottom of the column. It could be possible yours may be loose as well. No matter what you are going to have to get into the column.