Well, the stock style starter(76 460 auto) began grinding, or not releasing, took it apart-way worn. Locally best deal I could get was my old starter rebuilt for $90 + tax. Then I did some research here and on google, finding out how to retro a pmgr(permanent magnet gear reduction) starter from a 92-97 7.5 auto F-250-which have a nice gear reduction, permanent magnet motor-more torque, less power needed! Local wrecker wanted $100 + tax for used, altho they lost the last one they had...
Local rebuild of the new type starter was 180 + tax..
Rather disheartened, I ended up checking ebay, found a new one for $50, very nice quality-works like a hot damn! This new starter, delivered to my door, cost me $98 including tax and shipping! Even has a 1 year warranty.
I was worried about the fit, it bolted in with the stock bolts no problem, half the weight of the ol bugger too! Only odd part was hooking up the second wire, 10 guage, for the solenoid. The rest was easy, swapped the main power wire to the batt. side of the old solenoid, ran the 10 guage wire from start side of solenoid to the new starter solenoid. I also cleaned all of my battery connections and grounds, hooked up the battery, and....
The new pmgr starter rolls over my ol 429 with authority! Sounds strong-like there is a beast being awakened!
Really happy so far, hope the starter lasts-which Im sure it should.

 

I just bought one of those off of eBay, too. Mine was $50 as well so I bet we got it from the same guy. I have mine bolted up but I haven't ran the motor yet because I'm working on other things; but I'm glad to hear the good news! Looking forward to running mine. Thanks for sharing!

 

Will that type starter work on a 400 with a 4 speed as well?

 

Orielly's shows that an original starter has 9 teeth on the gear and a 97 f250 with the 7.5L has 10 teeth. Will that be an issue?

 

I read here that is a yes.

One other neat little item you can use on your 429/460 is a 92-93 7.5L F-Series gear-reduction starter. They are smaller, weigh less, and have more torque than the standard full-size Ford 351M/400/429/460 starters. If you plan to install headers on your Bronco with a 429/460 engine, then the gear-reduction starter will give you a little more room to work with in a cramped engine compartment. You can purchase these starters from most auto parts stores for around $200.00.

Scroll down to Starters and Distributors

ProjectBronco.COM! A 78-79 Ford Bronco Resource Center

 

I believe I read that from another post. I can't find anything that specifies the compatibility for a truck with manual or automatic and if either one will work on the other. The automatic and manual have different part numbers. I do not know what the difference would be. Both type transmissions have 10 tooth gears where the original has 9. I suppose if I have a manual trans now I should buy they new starter for a manual trans application.

 

If you ask the parts store for a 92-93 or (97?) 7.5L F-Series gear-reduction starter, do they ask if it for a standard or automatic trans?

Keep us posted on what works, I a really interested in getting my 460 to crank over faster.

 

I have only looked online at O'Rielly's site which asks if the vehicle is manual or auto and shows different part numbers for each. I have read it works on a 460, which has the same starter as a 400. What I have not read is if it works for manual or just automatics. I will provide a definitive answer once I know unless someone can beat me to it!

 

Manual Trans Mini Starter, SALE!!!

I think I found the answer to my question at the above link! $69 with a two year warranty!