'81-83 starter problems

Discussion in 'Blazers/Jimmys/Suburbans' started by rockhop051, Nov 1, 2006.

  1. rockhop051

    rockhop051 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2004
    Messages:
    4
    Location:
    Tucson
    I have an '83 Jimmy 4wd w/ a TH350 trans and 350 motor. Through a series of trial and error starters I have discovered that the trans and transfer case are actually out of an '81 which takes a different starter than the '83. The problem that I am having is that it has taken 6 shims stacked to get the starter to engage without grinding however once the truck is warm it grinds and is almost impossible to start. I have purchased a new flexplate for an '81to install but my question is do I need to change the torque converter to make sure all three pieces are '81?

    Thanks as always for any help.

    John
     
  2. Pontiac1976

    Pontiac1976 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2006
    Messages:
    482
    Location:
    Ontario, Canada
    No. You shoud not have to change the TQ if it bolts attch property to the flex plate.
     
  3. chevy_man_3

    chevy_man_3 Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2002
    Messages:
    40
    Did you know that chevy had two different starter heads? one used the holes that were straight across from each other and the other one used the holes that were on an angle. They were for the two different size flexplates that were used. One flexplate had 153 teeth and the other had 168 teeth.
     
  4. Pontiac1976

    Pontiac1976 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 21, 2006
    Messages:
    482
    Location:
    Ontario, Canada
    I would say he did not since he changed the flex plate to match the new starter . oh mostly from 1980- up were the 153 the smaller flex plate and starter but some did have the 168 still .:) :)
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2007
  5. drabo

    drabo Member

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2003
    Messages:
    759
    Location:
    Patrick AFB, Florida
    It sounds like your are using a 153 tooth starter on a 168 tooth flexplate. If the bolt holes are staight across it is for 153 tooth flexplate. If the bolt holes are diagnal it is a 168 tooth starter.
     

Share This Page