Ranger starting problems

My dad has a 1988 6 cyl 4x4 Ranger he plans on giving me. When we try to start it it grinds. Sometimes it won't start at all. The starter and flywheel were replaced but after a while it started grinding again. If we roll it down a hill it will usually jumpstart. He said when it is running it drives fine. I don't really know anything about diagnosing but the only other suggestion we got was the main bearings are worn out and when it's started it might be pushing the engine up or something. I really don't know but if this is something that can be fixed without major work or lots of money then I'll take the truck.

Pull the starter and the cover for the flywheel. Use a flashlight and look for a cracked flywheel or loose bolts. GM starters use shims which you could try if everything looks satisfactory. I think something is loose.
Bad bearings would mean you would loose oil pressure.

i have a 88 ford ranger with a 2.9 and it is 4x4, i had the same problem, the starter was messed up in it. I think we replaced the spring in it but im not sure, and i had problems cranking it also it would run but when i put the key in it wouldnt turn over and i found out that a wire in the clutch safety switch was loose and i had to jiggle the wires to get it to start....

My dad has a 1988 6 cyl 4x4 Ranger he plans on giving me. When we try to start it it grinds. Sometimes it won't start at all. The starter and flywheel were replaced but after a while it started grinding again. If we roll it down a hill it will usually jumpstart. He said when it is running it drives fine. I don't really know anything about diagnosing but the only other suggestion we got was the main bearings are worn out and when it's started it might be pushing the engine up or something. I really don't know but if this is something that can be fixed without major work or lots of money then I'll take the truck.

Hmm
1998 rangers will run but not start with a faulty crankshaft position sensor.
Dont know if the 88 has same. If its a real grinding noise this isnt the problem