I recall someone stating that the Ranger had a mini starter from the factory. Is this true? If so is there anything special to know about them? In my application it would be an '88, 2.3, 5 speed.
My interest is that the original starter is too low when I adapted the 2.3 (Turbo) into my '73 Pinto. The lower portion of the starter hits the back rack bolt on its hold down strap. And..., the rear bearing protrusion barely fits into the indent area of said strap (see image).
So, in addition to the smaller diameter of a mini starter being a plus for the strap bolt, I was hoping it was a bit shorter too. Can anyone confirm this?
I used one from a 95 ranger on my 76 pinto wagon that went underwater during Katrina, still have the car and can take photos of the starter , I do believe it's shorter, so I will bring a tape and find out , later Blaine
The mini starter is about a 1/2" shorter. Good to hear they work with the early 2.3. I have seen mixed info on tooth count compatibility.
Thanks. Half an inch will seem like a mile given the feeler gauge like clearance I have now. Not sure how all these years I've missed this upgrade. I've cut a notch in the rack rubber and then bent inward the strap. I ground the top off the strap bolt as far as I could and still had something to tighten. Still I get the engine on metal rattle just going over a bump in the road. Looking forward to this change. I guess it is the price to be paid for using the factory intercooler and the stock hood - less the air intake. Well until I get the starter changed. :)
They work great , I also put one one my V6 pinto , it came off a 4.0 Explorer , spins the crap out the engine ,
JUST BY CHANCE WOULD THIS MINI STARTER WORK ON A 302 , IM DOING A CONVERSION PROJECT AND IF THIS WOULD WORK WOULD BE GREAT FOR SOME EXTRA CLEARANCE ISSUES THAT MIGHT ARISE. ?