I got a 94 f150 with the 4.9 automatic. I replaced the freeze plugs in it, including the ones between the tranny and engine. Took a while for me to get it done. But I got everything bolted up, now it doesn't want to start. Starter was cracked so I bought a new one and it almost gets there but it will abruptly stop cranking. Almost sounds metal to metal when cranking but there's plenty of oil. I don't think I messed up timing when I did it, but would this cause it? Any suggestions would help.

 

Did you replace the freeze plugs because it froze ? That could spell internal problems.
But there's always the possibility they gave you the wrong starter - manual and auto starters are slightly different - it's possible the starter is grinding on something if it's the wrong one.