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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 10:46 AM
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Question starter opinion

So after much searching i have come to these Starter decisions, I just want some suggestions. I can get from Ford (rebuilt) 400 bucks. Fleet pride (220 bucks no core charge) or I just called a nearby auto electric (been around a long time, good reputation) and they have ford rebuilt 165 bucks w core exchange. (6 mo warranty) However he said I should go with the 3 bolt one they sell because it is the better one. I have the shorter 2 bolt one now. what do you guys think. ? thanks Jeff
 
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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 11:56 AM
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That third bolt is a real booger to fool with. I've used several denso-STYLE starters with mixed results, mostly not acceptable results. My last one is a brand new (not rebuilt) Mitsubishi that I purchased from Nations Auto Electric, and it has the three hole mounting arrangement, and is only about $205 plus S&H. I've since also purchased a high amp alternator for my Excursion 7.3 from them, and am very pleased with their knowledge and service.

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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 12:21 PM
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I have a 2 bolt and it cranks better than the 3 bolts in the cold weather. I'd be interested in what he has to say about why the 3 bolt is better. I think they might last longer....that's it though? Again not positive but very interested
 
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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 12:23 PM
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If I was going with the local rebuilder (which would be my preference, btw), I would take his advice.
 
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Old Jan 30, 2012 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by hdman6
So after much searching i have come to these Starter decisions, I just want some suggestions. I can get from Ford (rebuilt) 400 bucks. Fleet pride (220 bucks no core charge) or I just called a nearby auto electric (been around a long time, good reputation) and they have ford rebuilt 165 bucks w core exchange. (6 mo warranty) However he said I should go with the 3 bolt one they sell because it is the better one. I have the shorter 2 bolt one now. what do you guys think. ? thanks Jeff

I think that you should have your own starter rebuilt.
 
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Old Jan 31, 2012 | 05:45 PM
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follow up.. I installed the new starter today. I got a 2 bolt remanufactured one. It is identical to the one I removed to the detail. I got it at Fleetpride near me. $245.00 and 165 core charge. Ford wanted 400 with the core. I do think this is the exact one that I would have got from Ford. This one is the 2 bolt and shorter one. The one I removed was the original I think. I now have 200k on my truck. I can see where the 3 bolt longer style would be a bugger to get in. Their is not much room around ther even with the 2 bolt one. My Truck spins over great and starts up every time now. Now its a waiting game to soo how this starter hold up. Thanks for all the help here Jeff
 
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Old Feb 22, 2012 | 03:08 PM
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Joining this thread late....
Does anyone know why Ford changed to the two hole style for 2001-2003 model years? I have a 1999 and a couple of 2000 model trucks so I presume they all have the three hole units. The starter on my '99 is the original unit (I don't know about the other two trucks) so it makes sense for me to buy a replacement for when the time eventually does come that I'll need one.

I found a new in the box Motorcraft starter for $100 (including shipping) so I went ahead and snatched it up. I open up the box and it's the two hole kind (part number 2C3Z-11002-AA). Will that still work on my '99 and 2000 model trucks?
 
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Old Feb 22, 2012 | 04:00 PM
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I have an '01 and had to buy one on the road, and after all the 2-bolt/3 bolt hassle, I later read that either starter will fit either bellhousing arrangement. I highly suspect your starter will fit.

I would at least eyeball it to find out (if I were you) before the need arises, however!
 
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Old Feb 22, 2012 | 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by SteveH-CO
I have an '01 and had to buy one on the road, and after all the 2-bolt/3 bolt hassle, I later read that either starter will fit either bellhousing arrangement. I highly suspect your starter will fit.

I would at least eyeball it to find out (if I were you) before the need arises, however!
Ok, thanks for the info. I agree, I should crawl under there and put some eyeballs on the existing starters and make sure. If it looks good then I suppose I got a great deal on a new OEM unit (even if it is a 2 bolt model...).

Now I need to find a good alternator for a core and have it rebuilt locally just in case I need one of those....
 
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