I took the wire of the starter today in an attempt to tighten it up because I have been wiggling it a year in order for the thing to crank. After removing the top nut on the stud to investigate I noticed the entire stud is broken inside the starter. At first I thought it was stripped out but that isn't the case. I can push the stud in and out as well as rotate it in a circular motion. The stud is still threaded into something which keeps it from falling out. Any options besides getting a whole new starter? I was thinking about trying to take it apart.

 

Yeah do it yourself. Can you find another shot starter with good stud? You might also be able to get a rebuild kit with the stud and brushes. If you take the end peice off by removing the 3 bolts and taking out the plunger you will have access. I had the same thing happen to one of mine and I just snagged a stud from another starter i had kicken around and its been going strong ever since. Maybe these pics will help out, the square end just sits in the brush. Its quite simple, save yourself the money.

 

SHould be able to use a small punch o drive that broken stud out, it is probably the knurling at the base biting into the hole that is holding it in place.