93 pickup 22re 160k original starter...

just had the clutch done less then a month ago and now sometimes when i go to start it i hear a grinding noise, the truck wont turn over and when you let go of the key i can still hear what sounds like the starter still turning... you turn the key again and it grinds and starts... it seems like it only does this on the first start... (when its cold or has been sitting for the whole day) but after that first start it'll start fine the rest of day... im assuming its def the starter... ive heard that the starter is a pain to replace? is this true? thanks!!

 

Might be the solenoid contacts are worn or there is too much dirt/grease inside the solenoid bore and causing it to stick on:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#Introduction

Or it may need some lube on the bendix drive gear or there may be a relay sticking on and keeping power to the starter solenoid:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

 

No You should be able to take it off pretty quickly ~20 minutes at the most. You can get access to it through the fender well where the oil filter panel is or from under the truck. Just make sure you unhook the positive battery cable before you remove the wires off of the starter.

 

The starter is a good place to begin , while you have it off check to see if the ring gear is fully seated on the fly wheel. I had a bolt that was a little to long got mixed in with the bolts for the pressure plate. what happened was the longer bolt partly pressed the ring gear off causeing to grind when starting.

 

I had same issue and after replacing the starter the problem continued. Replaced ignition switch and still continues. Must be the starter relay.