I finally figured out that the starter in my 2000 5.4l Triton was bad. I've replaced starters in many of my cars throughout the years,
probably 10 or more but this is the first time I've had major complications.

The starter mounted up fine and the install went smooth but it sounds like the starter gear is not pulling all the way back so it makes
a metal clattering sound, not grinding just clattering.

I can't really hear it inside the truck but if pull up to a block wall or another car it's quite loud. As far as I know this starter does not
require shims so could I have gotten a new starter with a bad solenoid that won't disengage the gear or could I have the solenoid
wired wrong or should I shim it and hope for the best?