'81-83 starter problems

[rockhop051]

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

 

[Pontiac1976]

No. You shoud not have to change the TQ if it bolts attch property to the flex plate.

 

[chevy_man_3]

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.

 

[Pontiac1976]

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 .

 

[drabo]

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.