Well, it ain't. I had a '90 and it is as I described. I now have a '91 and it is the same. The starter on the 302 is on the right (passenger) side. The driveshaft is on the left (drivers) side.

 

The starter can be disassembled to it's sub components. However, you may not be able to get replacements for any of the internals, e.g. brushes/armature. Sometimes, though, it may just be an oily film build-up on the commutator in the starter motor causing the problem. Other times, it may be worn brushes, or bearing contamination. Getting one back together can be just a little tricky, and for what the starters cost, it typically isn't worth the troubles to try to replace any individual parts inside the starter (availability/degree of difficulty on some). When a starter is new, it should turn the engine quite rapidly. If it sounds like the battery is weak, but really isn't, chances are there's carbon dust or clutch dust or corrosion (moisture) in the armature bearings in the starter. Easier to replace than fix. If it's intermittently failing to start, could be either crud built up on the armature, or a dead winding. Commutator can be cleaned with emory cloth, but be careful not to make any rough scratches (carbon brush life). Also make sure to clean out the grooves in the commutator after you clean the surface. Make sure any solvent used is not going to attack the insulation in the starter.

Now, as for the lifetime, I got 14 years and 137K out of the factory installed starter. It wasn't dead, but was feeling it's age. I replaced it when diagnosing cranking issues, only to find out the real culprit was the cable clamp for the positive post on the battery. The starter had done it's job, and I wasn't disappointed. As for my battery, I'm convinced that I replaced it pre-maturely, but it failed test on the tester at Advance Auto (and I'm sure they didn't mind selling me a new battery). The battery had started the truck just fine that morning with a weak starter, and I had NO other electrical issues. I now take the testing done by in-store testers with a grain of salt.

 

Sorry, should have been clearer. I wasn't talking about where the starter was located, I just wasn't sure whether the 4WD front shaft went under it or not.
I've never looked that closely at a 4WD, so had no idea whether the shaft was on the left or right side.

What I was pointing out, though, is there's little difference electrically in the starters between '90 and '92, with the primary intention of saying that there is a very large, very live cable down there on the starter, that will more than likely launch the battery if the time isn't taken to disconnect the battery.

 

what is the easiest way to remove top bolt on 1990 f250 starter 460ci 4wd? thanks

 

As the last person asked I too would like to know best way to remove top bolt of starter on 1991 250 with 460 it looks to be tricky.Randy

 

I have a 1992 f150 5.8 .I've replaced the starter 4 times in last 4 years

with a auto zone starter .I did buy the first one with life time warrenty.

Ever time I return ,they ask how many time am I going to get a replacement.

I told them until they start to get ones that are rebuilt correctly and not junk

and I have 150,000 miles and exspect to go another 150,000 so just keep them

coming. I can change them out in about 20 mins. My question is did Ford have

heat shields on any stock starters.

 

^^I've only seen a heat shield for the solenoid on a stock ford starter.