Hoping someone has a solution to this experience... 1998 ranger manual transmission 4.0 4X4... changed clutch after clutch went out. No prior starter problems. Got new parts (Autozone), changed everything in the field, and starter sounded odd, but car started. Loud grind sound on start... then days later the starter gear stopped hitting the flywheel (after I had thrown the old flywheel away, unfortunately). I don't know if I lost a part or something like a washer or shim or something but really don't think so. Bolting into the main bearing, I have: 1. Flywheel directly to main bearing/ back of crank shaft. 2. bolts holding on flywheel. 3. Clutch and all that other stuff that is irrelevant to starting engine. 4. Back plate that goes between transmission and engine. 5. Transmission bolts, including starter. I have replaced the starter but no help. I've torn the flywheel back out and in comparing to all other new flywheels it is identical. My questions are: 1. Does anything stand out that I'm missing? 2. Are there different sized flywheels? It would be almost identical but very slightly different? 3. Anyone have luck shimming a Ranger starter? I've changed this starter multiple times previously with no issues until I changed the flywheel.
