theres more than 1 dodge starter...the one you have is a gear reduction starter...(made to turn over high compression diesels) the starters for the gassers dont have the gear reduction on them...and probably wouldnt turn the engine over that well at all. not to mention the mounting points are different...
i guess to asnwer your question...there is only 1 diesel starter

 

Andre,
The early starters (1st gen 89-93) were mounted hanging down, upagainst the engine block. Unfortunately you'd have to change out every thing between the back of the engine block to the front of the transmission. Just take a chunk out of the frame and reinforce the other side.

 

What year of a Dodge adapter are you using?If your use the 94-2000 ,than there is only one.

CrewCab59

 

Andre
A little off subject but how wide is your frame in that area?
Thanks

 

also, for what its worth, you don't run into this issue when you use the GM and Ford pattern flywheel housings, just the GM..

 

I think about 26"... The flywheel housing is a '99-on 6 speed, 24 valve one.. But I think the starters are all the same, bolt pattern wise, for all years? There are also starter spacers/etc.. I was looking at some photos of of a '93 or '94 with a Getrag, looks like a similar bold pattern, can't tell the starter is similar or not...

 

Would it be possible to rotate the starter?

 

I doubt it, based on the pics.. I am actually hopeful that the Gen 1 starter will fit, they look similar even though different transmissions...

I posted up on TDR, maybe one of the Dodge guys there know...
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=30

 

A,
89-93 starters will not interchange with the 94 up versions. The starters are nose matched with their respective engine adapter. I am 99.99% sure on this.
From you picture I would make 2 cuts into the frame ahead and behind the starter then heat and bend the frame upward along with the 2 small corners left on the main frame rails then cut a piece of 1/8" flat and weld vertically that to the length of the offset which will make it stronger than the original frame.
Bob

 

I started calling around and eventually talked to Steve(?) from FordCummins.com who was very knowledgeable. I think you are right, I am SOL. Will probably do the frame mod tonight.. I also need to find a starter spacer I think... Luckily in this position already spaced out with a couple of nuts...

 

Here's a pic of the 89 through 93
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-11/1225528/89-93.jpg

 

94 & Up
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-11/1225528/94-up.jpg

 

89/93 housing has a eccentric offset that moves the gear farther away.

Heres a pic of it in the Dodge plate

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-11/1225528/DSC015100.jpg

 

Doofus pictures show the problem well. I went though this with my Carryall. For clearance issues I tried using 89-93 starter on a 1999 Flywheel housing adapter. First only 2 of the mounting bolt holes will line up with the tapped holes in the adapter. As Doofus pictures show the 89-93 is rotated in the starter design. When a 89-93 drive gear is fully out, you have about .125" tooth to tooth space betwen it and the ring gear. Bottom line....it dont work.

To solve my clearance problem, I mounted my 4BTA/NV-4500, 1.625" offset to the passenger side.

Paul

 

I wonder how a custom spur gear would work on this type of application?

 

I considered this route, I also considered doing machine work on the nose of a 89-93 starter so it would engage the ring gear and also have the 3 holes line up for mounting the starter.

I quickly forgot this modification route. I would have a special starter. If it failed, my only choice would be to have that one rebuilt. I perfer off shelf components. I have been to, and am going to many places where I dont want anything special should a failure occur. I want any Mom and Pop Auto store to be able to get what I need. Just my thoughs and .02 cents.

Paul

 

Same here so I...

 

this is also going to be where the motor mount attaches hence the massive plating.. Here is the plate I made to bolt up to the side of the block.. It is going to sweep forward and mount vertically.. Last pic show the passenger side that I did last night, similar design... The lower part/frame side mount is only "well" tacked on to see how much mount compression I'll get once the mounts compress a little. I did a little prelim testing and looks like only about a 1/4" of compression with the motor's weight on it...