03 Sport Trac Starter Removal and Replacement

[Doug Jerome]

Trying to replace the starter on my truck and have realized that it is guarded on all sides. From the top, its the driveshaft and exhaust manifold. From the side, it's the exhaust manifold and part of the chassis. From the bottom, it's the 4x4 drive train, and it seems near impossible to get to the top bolt. Has anyone had experience with the starter on this engine, specifically the 4x4? Looking for recommendations on what would be the easiest way to approach the starter.

 

[david4451]

From under truck, remove balancer weights if attached to front diff. Use a short, size 13 metric spanner (not open ended) on the top bolt. Once on the bolt you can undo bolt a fraction at a time. The starter will come out down wards. Disconnect battery before you start any work. Takes about 30 minutes to remove starter.
I don't disconnect front drive shaft, but you can it may help.

 

[koda2000]

Addressing the top bolt, I used a 13 MM socket on a 3/8's wobble extension. The starter itself comes out from the bottom w/no problem on a 2WD, but I know there's stuff in the way on the 4X4's.