The shift lever on the tilt steering column of my 1985 G20 Chevy Van had slowly becoming looser and flopping forward and back. . I removed the pivot pin and the lever and I noticed the spring. . I was not able to simply, lift it out of the cavity. . I used a flat screw driver and pride the spring out; but I did not notice where it went. . I fear the spring has fallen into the shift bowl. . The shift selector still, shifts into all selections. . Any thoughts / opinions?

 

Try a magnet. You might get lucky and get it out.