[Woodz428]

Not sure how this relates to the problems expressed, but I have dealt with 100s of early Mustangs and there is a difference between auto and stick starters. I don't recall any gear teeth difference, but the snouts were 2 different lengths. I'm not positive without some checking of the starters in the shop, but I believe the stick starter had the longer nose on it..that would change how far the gear would engage.