big problems with 1986 5000s wagon

[Jeremy Willcuts]

Hey all, My wife's 86 5k wagon just started having a rather odd shifting
problem.  It's a non-turbo with auto tranny.
It needs a new steering rack but we've been trying to string it along for as
long as possible without replacing it due to lack of funds.  Last night she
mentioned to me that the steering had been making "popping" noises when she
turned the wheel.  Later than evening she attempted to drive the car to the
store. She was able to back out of the her parking spot but as soon as she
turned the wheel the car seemed to pop out of gear. It was dark and pouring
down rain so I wasn't able to examine it in any detail. The car refuses to
go back into any gear...even Park! it just makes a loud clicking noise when
the shift lever is in any of the gear detents. we pushed the car back into
it's spot and blocked the wheels so it wouldn't roll away. The tranny has
always shifted wonderfully up till now and has been recently serviced. We've
been religiously keeping pentosin in the power steering reserviour. any tips
or BTDT??? Thanks for your time guys & gals.

Jeremy Willcuts
Professional Computer Source
Tualatin, OR 97062
503-670-7785
cel. 503-267-6084