Having an issue with the starter not having enough throw to engage the flexplate on a 727 behind a TJ4.0. Not running a dust cover, TQ is seated fine, and it just barely misses the ring gear. Checked Rockauto and the Part # for a 83-87 waggy flexplate is the same as a same year CJ, both with a 4.2L, same as a YJ with the 904. Every starter I looked for TJ/YJ appeared to have the same throw. Any better flexplate to run? Any ideas?

There are 2 types of starters with different throw lengths. The older Ford style with remote solenoid and the newer with integrated solenoid (Mitsubishi I think), you want the older one its much bigger. I went through the same issue when I upgraded from a 258 to a 360 in the YJ

He's right.

You want a non-gear reduction starter in order to match that flexplate. The 88-91 waggy flexplate would be for gear-reduction starter use.

EDIT - because the problem isn't in the amount of 'throw'. The problem is in the starting location difference between the two setups.

I'll give it a try, thanks doods

I had to run a 93 grand cherokee flexplate could never get enough throw with the starter I was running the dust shield too.