89 Ranger,noise while starting

I have a 89ranger. 2.9l, Yesterday while starting I get a grinding noise while the starter is engaged. Sounds like it's a big drag on the battery. Like mabe a weak battery. But, the battery check good. Sounds like it may be a starter, but i wanted to see if anyone has had this problem. Once the truck is started everything is fine. I just didn't know if maybe a weak voltage to the starter (through the relay) could make it act wierd. Don't want to buy a starter if I don't have to. I hate shotgunning parts.

I have an '88 ranger and it makes a similar sound... I asked my friend who does a lot of work on cars and said its not really a big problem.

Thanks for the reply. It was the starter. I replaced it and everything is normal. I believe I could have just replaced the bushing at the sprocket for about seven dollars. Would have save me about $40.00.

cool... I'm glad you figured out your problem. But do you think you could help me out with my problem?

I bought a 1988 Ranger from a friend of mine. He was doing a lot of work on it before i bought it. It is missing some fuses and my horn doesn't work. All the lights and every thing works and it runs but i have no horn. The cover to the fuse panel is missing and my friend can't fond it anywhere. Does anyone have a picture of an '88 fuse panel cover or be able to rell me what to do or maybe a diagram?

Please help!:banghead:

A Haynes or a Chilton Repair Book may come in handy. It has a pretty good electrical schematics.