starter is missing the flywheel

[bronco2tank]

I have a 1987 bronco 2. It has a 2.9 in it. It makes a horrible metal on metal hit and slip noise. So obviously I thought it was the flywheel. I looked at the teeth on the bendex and the flywheel and neither are terribly bad. Occasionally if I try to bump it I can hear it missing all together. I looked at getting a different starter, but they are all the same on all years. What am I missing? This is only a 2 bolt starter, so how could it possibly be missing altogether? Should I be looking at getting a Mazda starter? Thanks.

[fnlucky]

almost the same thing happened to mine however mine would sometimes grab make a loud CLANG noise then a grinding and then let go i have a post on here thats says "flywheel pics need help" go look cause at the first glance the flywheel looked okay however it was the problem after changing the flywheel it worked fine well that issue at least...

[six shooter]

I am having the same problems how hard is it to change the flywheel out and does it get pretty pricy.THANKS

[tekatlarge]

That's 2 questions there will be an extra charge for two questions.

How hard is it? Hm mm it is not something I like to do on a regular basis. Ya gotta separate the trans and engine. Some people have been able to do it by blocking up the trans and transfer case then pull the bolts and cross member and slide the trans back then unbolt the flywheel and replace the stuff in the reverse order and your done.

I don't know what a regular shop would charge you but I would bet it would be at least 4 hrs Labor. A hunnert and twenty five and hr and you can chew right through several bags of cash just getting started.

[drofman]

tex, you might tell them that it's easier if they have a flexplate. they didn't say if it's manual or auto.

[drofman]

but i guess a ring gear a flywheel and a flexplate a flexplate. nevermind

[tekatlarge]

drofman,

Your right a automatic flex plate is easier than a flywheel to change but not that much easier.
However, neither is my favorite thing.