Starter manual vs auto

[gick70]

What makes the difference between the 2?

 

[hankjr]

Is it not the location of the teeth? Flex plate versus flywheel and the relationship of the teeth to the mounting surface. I think this is what I read at one point.

Hank

 

[Broncobowsher]

The pinion support/offset.

note for the odd things Ford has done; There is an exception to Ford starters in the auto/manual choices. Mustangs with the T5 transmission that you would think would use a manual transmission starter, actually use an auto starter. Just one of those oddities that can trip you up if you don't know about it.

 

[Viperwolf1]

This explains it.
http://www.bcbroncos.com/ford starters.pdf

 

[gick70]

I am more confused now

 

[Pa PITT]

Viperwolf1 Good post as usually . I learned something with your post .. But at my parts store back in the day .. We just said the nose is longer on one over the other.

 

[Viperwolf1]

I am more confused now

The ring gear is further back on a flexplate so the starter pinion gear needs to extend further out to reach it.