starter or flywheel problem

[87mysteryranger]

need advice fast im burning up starters quicker than cigarettes!!.. i have 1987 ford ranger 2.9 5 speed new fywheel from napa. if you know flywheels they only go one way so it has to be the starter but i went through five already. the starter gears are just skimming the flywheel and with ford you dont need shims. i called ford and they said 83 to 89 ford 2.9 starter is all compatable no matter manual or automatic or 4x4 or not so wtf how do i get the starter closer to the fywheel to help

 

[tgreene92]

bust out the grinder and shave a little metal off the starter and trans

 

[87mysteryranger]

thanks i apreciate that. i never had one do that to me before i grinded one starter bolt hole for now it seems to be working ok. after three days i should know for sure