[cwmcobra]

Jahred,

According to Red Roberts at McLeod, the number of teeth on the flywheel is immaterial to the problem. There is less than 0.020" diffference in the OD of flywheels with ring gear teeth numbering 176 to 184 and the starter pinion doesn't really care how many teeth are on the flywheel, as long as they are in that range. His advice is to set the clearance between the ring gear and starter pinion as described above. If a shim is required, it goes between the mounting flange on the starter and the block plate or bellhousing. I bought a shim at NAPA for a Ford starter, but it might be too thick. I'm still waiting for my replacement ring gear before putting the drivetrain back together and setting the alignment properly.

Good luck with your engine!

Chuck