1998 Ford Windstar Troubles?

I have a 1998 Ford Windstar with the 3.8L Motor. Starting about a month ago, I noticed that at idle, in Drive, the vehicle still pushed forward. The brakes still held it, but I could feel it intermittantly pushing against them. At the same time, the rpm would drop during the push. It would be the same as someone not fully disengaging the clutch on a manual. Unfortunately, the problem has been getting worse, and what was before an occasional issue has become regular, with the surging happening whether in Park, Neutral, or Drive (but stopped). Sometimes it will even stall the engine. Fuel economy has dropped considerably also. Oddly enough, when I put it in drive, and let off the brake, it scarcely moves at idle. Any ideas as to what could be the issue would be appreciated. My suspicion is the TCC, but I'm not certain.

Rather than getting guesses on YA, you need to have a real mechanic do an inspection

Yeah, the torque converter is starting to deteriorate to the point of major repairs. Those year and all model winstar vans were total junk new off the lot so you most definitely got a good service life out of that POS. Time to sell it for scrap value.

Sounds like the TC. If it is of course the transmission needs to be removed to do it. Find local shop at ATRA.COM for diagnosis and estimate before you do anything

When's the last time you had the park plugs and wires replaced?
I'd do that first before pulling the transmission out!