wrong starter?

the starter on my ranger grinds like crazy when i try to start it, in 2 yrs i have rebuilt starter motors several time only to have the problem return. i also had 2 new starters do the same thing now on my third. finally i took the flywheel out and took it in to a tranny shop to have the gear replaced, only to have the mechanic tell me the gear was fine, he tells me the problem is in the starter, he says there are 2 different starters one with a longer shaft (the one i need)i was told there was only one starter for an 87 and he said it all depends on when the truck was made that year. does this sound right? if so how do i ask for a starter?

Go to the wreckers!

Buy a starter, flywheel and a bellhousing from a matching ranger/bronco and install it onto yo ur truck, you'd be suprised! the problem is that your starter is either too short, or too long and is not properly meshing with the flywheel gears!