1968 Ford F250 Camper Special
390
Automatic

I'm going to try to install a starter in my truck. The current starter has completely failed a few times, and only worked after I tapped on the starter itself.

While under the truck, I see two of the three mounting bolts. I assume the upper right bolt is accessible but not visible from underneath. Also, there appears to be only one cable attached to the starter, and when I checked the shop manual, there is only one visible cable in the provided image.

Questions:

1) Is there only one required electric cable connection? (I've found numerous generic entries online about also connecting the ignition wire and ground wire in starter installations.)

2) Will the starter pull out unimpeded once the cable and mounting bolts are removed? From my vantage point under the truck, it appears that it will. However, I've found a number of online entries that mention physical interference from the exhaust system, etc. The truck is stock, no additional headers, etc.

3) With respect to the non-visible upper-right mounting bolt, I assume that I will find it using an extension. Am I correct? Or must I remove something else to access the bolt?

4) Must the vehicle be raised to perform the removal and installation? I believe that I have full access to the starter from underneath--without jacking up the truck or removing the tire. (But, again, online I've found numerous references to using jackstands, etc.)

 

Disconnect your battery then disconnect the one at the starter. Make sure no other wires go to the starter.
From what you describe, I don't think anything will be in your way. The third bolt you'll have access to with an extension, just probe around until you land on it. Try to get that bolt first.
With no headers, the starter should come right out. You don't need to jack it up and set it on jack stands if your truck is high enough.

 

Exactly as above. The problems with exhaust interference come from headers, not stock manifolds.
The starter takes its ground and completes the circuit through the mounting bolts and block back through the ground wire from the battery to the block. Usually a heavy black cable from the battery. This is a high current circuit. Connections are crucial. It would be a good idea to remove the ground cable, clean and scuff it up with emery cloth. Clean battery terminals and scuff up the iron on the bell housing to which the starter bolts.

Semper Fi

 

Thanks to both of you. What I saw under the truck did not match what I was reading online. Now I know why.

 

I've found 1/2" socket 3/8 drive on about a 8" extension works good for me..orich