Starter & flywheel line up

[Lil2much]

I have a 1988 ford ranger automatic that the PO switched out from a 2.3 to what I believe is a 2.9 (says 2.9 on throttle body). It has ran great for 3 years. The starter started grinding last week and pulled it off to find minor flywheel wear. I filed it in the one area of the flywheel that had minimal damage and went to get a new starter. I got one for a 2.9, but it doesnt fit, the outside cover bangs on the oil pan and the connection for the lead is reverse of the old one, however the bolt holes almost line up if the cover didnt bang. They took my new one for core. I cant get it back. I tried another brand of starter with the same issue. Is it possible I had been using a 2.3 starter? Are the flywheels different on 2.3 vs 2.9 automatics? Is there another way I can identify what motor I have versus what flywheel/starter I have? thanks

 

[AndyB.]

This is what a 2.9 starter looks like:

http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts...+Google+Base&gclid=CJ_k9vyItsoCFQ6RaQodp7QGTg

This is what a 2.3 starter looks like:
http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-1315-...&CAGPSPN=pla&gclid=COjV5qWJtsoCFYJEaQodeo8Ing

 

[Lil2much]

Got the 2.3 starter today and it lines up like its supposed to and the lead goes to the same location as the original one i pulled off so It seems this is the correct starter. However, I for sure have a 6 cylinder engine on the truck and it has ran like that for 3 years. When i look up the flywheel parts numbers they dont match up for a 2.3 vs a 2.9

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1988/ford/ranger/clutch/flywheel.html

I really am thinking that the 2.9 was dropped in the truck by PO and he just kept the same flywheel/tranny but if anyone could prove me wrong PLEASE do. If i dont get an answer im just going to have to try it and risk grinding the new starter or more of the flywheel

 

[adsm08]

Well the bell housing of a 2.3 trans wouldn't line up with a 2.9 engine.

I suppose it's possible, however unlikely and ill-advised that he did keep the 2.3 flex plate, but I don't know if that bolt circle would line up correctly or not.

 

[Lil2much]

Well the 2.3 starter fits right up but i really hate to try it and make something worse but im going to have to.

I need to find info on which transmissions do line up for a 2.9 auto or how to identify the one i do have