SYMPTOM:: When I start the engine all is well except for an occasional sound heard upon release of the key.
The engine catches right away but there's a brief "clattery" sound which leads me to think the pinion gear isn't pulling back fast enough (as if lingering against the ring gear too long).

RESEARCH: Some sources say no lube is necessary ever. Some say wet lubes will attract dirt and will so require the added maintenance of periodic cleaning and regreasing. Still others say a dry lube like graphite is necessary.
Some say the "screw shaft" of the Bendix needs lube. These differing opinions must be from design differences among starters.

Does a 16 year old Ranger starter motor need a touch of lube on its sprag? I believe the sprag is the release (pull-back) mechanism.
Is disassembly required to clean parts off so they run smoothly? Or should I just shoot some dry lube into the starter's nose?

REMINISCENCE: The only Ford starter I ever touched was in my '76 E-100 van. 'Twas the last "$30 rebuilt" sold in the USA.

 

I don't think Ford has used Bendix for years
They have a solenoid/relay on the top of starter motor, the smaller cylinder
When activated the solenoid pulls in, which pulls a lever that pushes the starter gear out to engage ring gear/flywheel
As the solenoid pulls in it also closes 2 large contacts that send battery voltage to starter motor

If you hear a noise after start up and releasing the key then something is loose in the gear drive or solenoid lever
I would have a spare starter available or change yours when you have the time



In the beginning of electric start in vehicles there was a foot pedal you would push down and that would mechanically slide out the starter motor gear to mesh with ring gear
At the bottom of starter motor pedal travel it would push together 2 contacts that would power the starter motor

Bendix drive used the torque of the starter motor, when it was powered up, to force starter gear out to mesh with ring gear, so no more foot pedal
When the rotational speed of the ring gear exceeded starter motor gear speed the Bendix drive would retract, usually
Car companies had to pay patent fees to use it, and they did for many many years

Drawback of Bendix drive was the starter gear was already turning when it came into contact with stationary ring gear, this would cause high wear on starter gear and ring gear, and if gears didn't mesh the first time, you would have to repeat key off and on to try again

Pretty much all starters are now "mesh then start" setups, more reliable and less wear on the gears, so same as starter pedal setup without the pedal, lol