Howdy! 1st post here... Right to it - 84 CJ7, 258, TF727, rebuilt starter from Auto Zone. I replaced the T-5 with this trans. While cranking it sounds like the old 80's Chevy's problem with the wrong shims (like a screaming noise). When engine fires the starter does not disengage. This is not a solenoid (or electrical) problem. Pulled the starter cover (because the nose is completely enclosed) and discovered that the starter is still engaged. Pull up on Bendix to release, but it doesn't feel that way. Pulled the starter and measured the distance between the starter mounting flange and the front of the flexplate teeth and compared it to the measurement between the starter mounting face and the end of the drive gear teeth. It appears that I would have to shim the starter out about 3/8" in order for both sets of teeth to clear each other!! In other words, the teeth are engaging as soon as I bolt the starter on!! Flexplate mounted correctly (no weights - internally balanced motor) and the spacer is installed between the bellhousing and the engine block.

I've tried two different starters, same thing. The spacer is supposed to be for an auto trans. How much difference in thickness between a manual and auto spacer? Could this be the wrong starter? I read somewhere that places like Auto Zone use a "generic" Ford starter that causes problems.

Anyone have any ideas? -Thanks!!

Vato Zone starters bring the suck, might want to source it from NAPA.

What year is your flexplate for ?


A Ford starter (used on 258) used with a flexplate for a Mitsu starter (used on 4.0) will do this.


k.

What year is your flexplate for ?


A Ford starter (used on 258) used with a flexplate for a Mitsu starter (used on 4.0) will do this.


k.

Thanks OTR! If, for some reason this is the case, are the Ford and Mitsu starters interchangeable as far as mounting is concerned?

OK...after some research I find that you can use a 4.0L flexplate on a 4.2L (258) as long as the 4.0L starter is used as well (and vise versa). Apparently there is a different offset between the two flexplates that require specific starters. The two starters have different nose depths/different throws and are not interchangeable. That said, my problem described above should be solved (we'll see when I get the new starter home!).

If someone has info to the contrary, please, feel free to tear it up. -Thanks!

YUP!!! That's the ticket! She's up and runnin'!! :D

4.0L Flexplate = 4.0L Starter
4.2L Flexplate = 4.2L Starter

The starters are not interchangeable.
The flexplates have and offset difference of about 1/2" + - .

It didn't cross my mind that it was a 4.0 flexplate as there is no VSS "squirrel cage" on the back. Guess they made some without it. Thanks for the suggestions fellers!!