First post and thanks in advance for advice. : ) It's a 2002 Ranger with the 2.3 engine and I have the 3 bolts (2 main bolts and 1 bracket bolt) out. I've pried on it pretty hard and it will not budge. Banged it with several big whacks with a mallet too. Is there a 4th bolt somewhere? I have the new one and don't see where I'm missing something. Any ideas?

Thanks Jim

 

Im not sure if the duratech is the same as the Lima as far as the starter is concerned but on my 87 2.3 i have 3 bolts that hold the starter on. When removed the starter just falls off. You'r missing a bolt somewhere keep looking grab a flash light and look around the starter.

 

Okay I figured out how to replace the starter on my 2002 2.3L Ranger. There's a ground strap that hides a nut on one of the mounting studs. This procedure worked well for me.

Disconnect one pole on battery.
Jack front up on stands.
Remove left wheel and tire.
Pop the buttons that hold the fiberboard skirt.
Fold the fiberboard skirt back out of the way to expose the starter.
Use a 13mm deep socket, extension, and swivel to remove the 2 back nuts on studs.
Use the same tools to remove the front bolt holding the front bracket.
Remove the grounding strap off the top stud to expose the nut underneath.
Again use the same tools to remove the nut.
Use a 13mm socket to remove the pos wire off the solenoid.
Use a 10mm socket to remove the signal wire off the solenoid.
Drop starter unit down and reverse steps.

Cheers and good luck. Jim

 

That just made me love my V8 a little bit more. :-P