Start 2WD Starter removal by disconnecting the negative battery cable, and then raise the front of the vehicle, supporting it securely on jack stands. In some V6 models, you might have to remove the right front wheel for accessibility purpose. The next step is removing the front exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold. Remove brace rod from in front of engine to bell housing on 2.2L engines; alternatively remove support bracket that goes from starter front to block on some models prior to 1999 if equipped. If your vehicle has a starter heat shield, take it off now.Unbolt solenoid wire and battery cable ends at solenoid (underneath vehicle), then finally undo starter mounting bolts and remove unit. Consideration also should be given to whether there are any spacer shims fitted between motor body and attaching point.Eliminate starter motor noting spacers present, if any are there.To reinstall proceed knowing original positions of necessary shim(s).Now for 4WD Starter removal start by disconnecting the negative battery cable lift up jack stands under secure jack stands at the center of vehicle's rear axle assembly after raising its front end wheels off ground; thus enabling easier access.Remove left wheel (on 2.2L models) or right wheel (on 4.3L V6); this action is intended to make it easy for you when pulling out the component.Once again on two-point-two liter engines just slide off driveshaft towards its back.In certain early versions it may be necessary to raise engine/transmission using a transmission jack under transmission while removing transmission cross member for access to address simple bolts holding starter motor.However if provided with one, get rid of heat shield for starter wiring harness leading directly into solenoid switch.Insert wires coming from down under vehicle into terminals located on top of solenoid but still stay below nuts tightened against post threads.Slide out starter motor watching for shims or spacers if any are present.Install in reverse order of removal, making sure it is re-positioned in its original position and the shim is inserted between the engine block and the starter without removing.Correcting shimming remove the bell housing cover. At this stage, inspect flywheel or drive plate for abnormally worn areas, etc.Take a feeler gauge of round diameter with wire type leaves and determine distance from top of flywheel gear tooth to bottom of pinion tooth in starter from inside (not teeth tips) where clearance should be 0.01 to 0.06 inches.A starter whine usually indicates low clearance caused by too tight shimming.Worn pinion bearings also cause a whine during cranking.Loosen inner bolt slightly; then remove outer one before slipping spacer adjustment through narrow opening made outside engine block which separates it against crankshaft.So you see that installation removes only one additional spacer while retaining rest of them when applying because there was no need to separate motor upon lowering vehicle's entire weight down on its front wheels.
