I purchased a 2001 ford PS 7.3 4x4 crewcab DRW (new), and love my truck.

About after 2 years of construction/haulin and everyday drive'n, my starter decided to quit. (80,000 miles) I knew it was the selinoid and called several starter shops and dealers for parts with no such luck. So i went down to pepboys and purchased a nice bosch for around a whopping $400 bucks,...but it was a nice starter. Well, the starter on my truck was a 2 bolt,..the bosch is a 3 bolt. The housing on the 7.3 will accept a 3 bolt. I contacted worldwide remanufactures, bosch usa, and pepboys headquarters and we all came to the conclusion that ford decide to make there own starters starting with the 2001 models. From what bosch and wwr told me, no one was informed of the change ford made. woldwide remanufactures wanted me to let them know (if i decided to install the bosch 3 bolt) if the install would work. It did, I had to go down to the local autoparts store and buy a third bolt but that was all. The difference in the 2 starters is basically night and day. I am a loyal/proud ford owner but I always have to hide this story when the chevy guys are around...8)

Anyone else have problems with there ford starters?

 

Interesting. My 01 also has a two bolt starter. No problems though.

 

The 3 bolt starter is the old (pre99.5) starter. The 2 bolt is the new (Super Duty) starter. Both will work. 2 bolt is smaller, cheaper (even at the dealer), & turns the motor faster.
I put one on my 97 & it works GREAT.