Hello all, I recently bought an '83 4x4 v8 5.0L and I went to crank it the other day, and the starter is shot. What brand do you recommend? Seems like purchasing new would be the way to go over remanufactured since they are roughly the same price. Anything else associated with this that is recommended to purchase and install? The solenoid is working so that isn't a consideration at this time. Thanks.

 

The best starter is the factory one, of course. The 2nd-best is a Ford/MotorCraft reman. An '83 doesn't have a starter solenoid - it uses a swinging pole shoe to move Bendix, instead of the solenoid on later ('92-up) starters. If you can't find a good reman of the early style, it's very easy to add 1 new cable so that the later solenoid (PMGR) starter will work. Read these pages & follow the links on them:

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But how do you know the relay is working? How did you test it? It's very common for them to fail internally, but still make the loud click as if they're working.

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The images are really small so I am unable to see them?

I only took the starter in to get tested and the bearings were seized.

 

Did you click the text that says "click this text"? Are you using a real browser like Chrome on a computer, or are you using some app on a tablet or phone? These discussion forums are intended to be viewed in browsers on fullsize screens, as are those pics.

 

I was viewing them on my computer and they were really small but it seems to be working now when I am clicking on them.

 

I'm not sure I am following what you are suggesting I do? Why wouldn't I just put in a new starter and be done with it? There is a solenoid on the side of the truck that connects to the battery and I just assumed ran down to the starter?

 

Re-read those pages. Your truck does NOT have a starter solenoid. But you can convert to that style of starter IF YOU WANT TO. If I couldn't find a quality original-style starter, I'd buy a quality solenoid-style starter and modify the truck to use it. That's what those pages explain.

 

Then what is the solenoid on the side of the truck connected to?

 

You'd have to look at it &/or post pics. I can't imagine why anyone would put a solenoid on the side of any truck. Ford never did; nor did any other manufacturer that I've seen, working on vehicles professionally for many years.

Ford & others put a starter RELAY on the inner fender, but not a solenoid.