I'm looking to replace my starter with another OEM unit and after an exhaustive search need some further guidance.

I would rebuild my current starter but the post that mounts the small wire sheared off along with the ring terminal the last time I removed it about a month ago for clearance to the oil dipstick flange. I'm not sure this starter was OEM to begin with since this even happened. The OEM models I see online seem to have a stud design here - what appears to be a better design than what I had to deal with when the post just sheared off rotating with the nut during removal. Enough of this mount remained to allow me to drill a new hole to mount a new crimped ring terminal on and all went well without a hiccup over the next month - until now. I am having starting issues from what could be attributed to this make-shift remedy or my cracked battery cables, so I plan to replace it all new with OEM.

I know many like the true Denso. I was going to go this route when initially shopping, but after seeing the praise of the OEM Mitsu units, I've veered lanes. However, I am having a hard time locating the right OEM part number. I see MC part numbers of F4TZ11002ARM, SA817RM (I think RM stands for re-manufactured?) and a new Motorcraft NSA17578N (says 'aftermarket design') on rock auto but this is surprisingly cheaper than their SA817RM re-man. I'm confident they will all fit and probably do their job but are there any differences in them? It seems the Mitsu M8T50072 with 3.6kw was revered more than the lower torque Mitsu M8T50071 model but I am not sure which Motorcraft part number corresponds with these Mitsubishi part numbers. Anyone have any idea?

 

Well, I'll be. I decided to go have a look-see and it is an OEM starter and I answered my own question. F5TU-11000-AD and M8T50072 are visible on the sticker afterall. That Ford number cross references to Ford's SA817RM and F4TZ11002ARM both on Rock Auto.

Carry on.