dunno how to phrase the subject, but last night I was taking my girlfriend back to her dorm and I stopped to get some gas.
I purchase my gas and climb back in the Bronco and try to start it and bada-bing. My starter starts to just simply spin. I remembered the sound because I replaced my starter about a year ago and the teeth were all chewed up. But anyway, I took my starter off and the teeth on it were fine.
But the teeth on the part in the tranny (Is it the flywheel) are pretty ground down.
I've got a friend coming over tomorrow to help me out with replacing the part cause he's done it before, but he doesn't remember what the part is called and I'm not sure. Is it the flywheel or something else?

 

On an automatic it is called the flex plate. On a manual, it is called a flywheel. That's gonna take some effort to change. Even more effort if it is a 4WD!

 

Okay, so how much would it cost to get it replaced at a shop? Just curious, but my friend replaced his Flex plate on his Mustang, will it be basically the same on my Bronco besides the 4wd?

 

The starter might have just been stuck. They do that all the time. Just try starting it, if it just spins get under there with a hammer and rap on it a few times, then try again. Most likely that was what it was, so i would only replace the starter. Unles you really want to remove the entire tranny to get to the flex plate.

 

I agree with dblue51- take starter to parts store, most would test it. sounds like shaft was not popping out to allow gears to make contact.

 

I tried rolling and starting it and it didn't work. Tried tightening it and that didn't work. Tried hitting it and starting it, that didn't work either. The teeth on the Flex Plate look pretty ground down and the teeth on my starter are perfectly fine. So...

 

Well I would still replace the starter first. I dont think you understand how much of a PITA it i going to be to replace the flex plate. And if it is the plate, then you needto remove the tranny. The the plate wil be right there. And while you are in there it would be a good idea to replace the rear main seal. Even if it is not leaking, because it will.

 

Well, I guess I'll put the starter back in again tomorrow and see if it works. But other than that the shop wants $450 to replace the plate