So I posted that I recently replaced my battery cables on my 92 4.0 automatic. Then awhile later it kept cranking after the engine started and never quit even when I took the key out. It finally quit the one time it happened, I don't know how. But a couple days ago I took it to the mechanic's shop and I saw right away what had happened. The extension wire on the new reman starters had some part of the terminal exposed that was really close to the block and caused it to arc. You could see it spark when you started it eventhough it wasn't continuously running anymore. So I repositioned the wire down a little so it wouldn't be so close to the block. The original starters had a blade type push in connector and so does my NOS original battery cable. So I didn't want to hack my new $100 battery cable so I used the extension off the old cable and added a flat blade push in connector to temporarily plug into my NOS new battery cable. But I wanted to replace the starter for reliability anyway but I can only find the ones with the TSB recalled connectors. I've got a 93 Ranger that still has that same original type connector starter on it and it's been through hell and still going. I see description pictures of starters on parts website that show the original blade type connector but when I go to a parts store to look at it, it has the new TSB connector extension wire. So where can I find an original type connector starter?

 

I would suggest contacting a well known, local hometown type auto electric shop and have them rebuild a known original starter.
Stop buying the Chineese junk at the big box auto stores.

 

If you look at summitracing they offer a 3239N new starter that shows a selection of connectors with the starter. One for the old style and two for the new style. But I went to summit and looked at that same starter and all it has was the TSB recalled ring terminal wire adapted to a stud. No alternate connectors even came with it. I'm finding no matter where I go to get a starter they all have the new ring terminal extension wire. I was going to buy a Motorcraft but I don't want to order it and find out it has the same. The service bullentin that comes with the starters that have this new extension wire say the original was prone to corrosion from water because it was just an exposed flat terminal. So I'm wondering how is an exposed stud going to perform any different. I notice that I can buy a new solenoid and it has the original connection on it. How difficult is it to adapt to my new starter?

 

The solenoid comes off with two thorax screws in the front, + the nut that holds the braded wire on the back end. Make sure the plunger rod goes back in place when reinstalling.

 

Like I said, take one of your known ORIGINALS to a GOOD, LOCAL auto electric shop and have them rebuild it and/or supply the correct connector for your application.