Have a 1993 Ford F150 with V-8 5.0 Liter engine. Having problems with it grinding and grinding before starting. Does not matter if it is hot or cold. Occasionally will start right away but normally has to grind for a while.

 

Either your starter is not fully engaging, or you have worn teeth on either the starter or flywheel, but Id put my money on flywheel. In my opinion if you get a new one, if you have the cash, spring for a lighter one, also called dual mass flywheels. You'll see a noticeably quicker rev as well as possibly a few ponies (Ive seen companies claim as much as 15, but with myself never using anything more than a butt-dyno I cant tell you exact numbers based of my own experience), but I have noticed a difference.