After an AutoZone starer failed on me and recieved a refund instead of a new one, i opted for a junkyard starter, (50 bucks, cost of core, no loss).. This lasted a couple months, then i started getting the notorious click.. tappin it with a hammer would get it to turn.. anyway i decided to take it apart and found one of the six large magnets in many pieces, obviously impeeding the motor from spinning. Questions for anyone who's taken one apart- will the starter turn with a missing magnet (i removed the broken one)?, are there rebuild kits?, is it worth it?, does anyone have a dismantled starter?, wanna send me a magnet?, I heard these are notorious for failing when mud is flying. I have noticed direct correlations between my starters going swimming, and my truck gettin pissed and not wanting to start. (this would be my fifth starter in 4 years- grand total cost $50). Any help would be sick!!
Right now the starter is in about 8 pieces, wouldn't mind takin her for a ride.
92 xlt 4x4

The starter like all electrical motors should have symmetrically balanced magnets and windings or it will not operate, or perform poorly at best.

I don't trust rebuilt starters. A buddy of mine put an autozone rebuilt starter in his car thinking he'd save some $$. He ended up replacing it 3 times within a year (getting stranded twice away from home). Even though he did all the work it actually cost him more for a rebuilt than if he bought a new one. IMO it is a gamble that a rebuilt unit is going to be good and last. If money was an issue and I had a std tranny then I would consider a rebuilt.. (getting stranded is a huge Pita even with AAA).

I replaced my starter last year and opted for new unit ($180). It came with the upgraded ring mounted solenoid post (and wire) to replace the old poorly connected push on wire connector. As expected it has given me Zero problems.