Been trying to figure out which starter to use the one on the bottom, new, I put in and got the car started but it wouldn't disengage. The middle one was given to me with the car supposedly came out of it. The top one I found under some junk in the back seat. the two bottom ones I got running but the distance between the Bendix and starter is different. Now the one I found in the car has a longer shaft that the Bendix sits on. The car has an auto trans and found out in other forums that autos and manuals may have used different starters. So which one should go in a 59 Fairlane with a 332 and auto trans?
I’d use the middle one as the bendix has returned properly, the right shouldered bolts make all the difference with fitting correctly
Top one will never release. I’m betting it’s rusted middle one looks correct. Bottom might have the incorrect Bendix.
I don't believe auto or manual trans were different. What flywheel are you using? Is the trans the original Cruisematic? THe new one really should work. I usually put a little oil on the shaft and in the bendix to help it dissengauge.
Don't use any of them. These were problematic which is why Ford changed the design in '65. A better solution is doing this... Ford FE Late Model Starter Bendix For Early Model FE Applications 1958-1964 | eBay This allows you to use a '65-up starter with the early flywheel tooth count. You'll need the newer FE starter (which will bolt in and is a lot less expensive), just swap to this bendix. I suspect you have starters for more than one application (six/y-block/year) which is why the shaft lengths are different. Ford used the same starter for both manual and auto trans FE applications. If you're really determined to use one of those, send me a PM and I'll dig the one I have out and measure the shaft. But I won't use those...
Thanks for the replies. Think I'll go Crazy Steves route, it would solve problems now and maybe on the road so if anyone needs some early starters pm me.
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