1997 4x2 5 speed starter was grinding. Sometimes it would turn over but seemed as if it were struggling to do so. We replaced rear-main, aftermarket flywheel, pilot bearing, clutch and starter some time ago and all seemed to be working ok at that time. With the temps only in the low90s I endeavored to remove all for inspection.
The flywheel measures approximately 12in diameter, and seems to show wear on the uppermost half of the teeth. Many of the flywheel teeth have been compromised, and I have a new factory one on the way.
I recently discovered there are different flywheel sizes for this vehicle, and I suspect the one I installed was too small in diameter causing the starter to only contact the very tip of the teeth.
Have any fellow owners experienced this issue?