Personally i would replace the whole starter and your done

Using DROID BIONIC. 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5

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1998 Ford Ranger 2.5
How To: Dual ignition Plug mod (Dual plug 2.3/2.5L only)
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...2-5l-only.html

I'm confused - are you saying that it's possible to replace part of a starter??

What do you mean exactly?

The connections are the wires with the eyelets that are held onto the starter by nuts......I just meant that they need to be tight and not corroded. if they are loose or corroded..... fix that first................In theory your starter solenoid can be replaced separately if that is the issue....If you deem that the starter is what is causing the issue I agree with Doc and I would just buy a new one.....replacing a starter on these truck is easy......3 bolts? and a couple of connections.......as I said earlier....you might consider running a new cable from the battery to the starter.

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Good stuff Redhill.... The wires you are trying to trace normally are routed down near the under or near the harmonic balancer along the lower chassis/frame and are possible covered with dirt or muck.

As far as parts its hard to say with out being right there with the truck and without testing instruments (I. E. multimeter) . Based on your symptoms seems you are on a good path.

97 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4 CYL... SIDE STEP BABY.... (road worthy.... Well almost) .

I want to sincerely thank everyone for their help in troubleshooting this!

Sounds like it's just the starter (which is en route!)

Now, to be even more of a pain in the a**, anyone have advice on swapping the starter out?

How difficult is it?

Any thoughts here appreciated as I hope to be back on the road before week's end!

(tired of walking everywhere

Its holding by 3 bolts to tranny. First disconnect the battery then take off positive wire to starter and small wire then unbolt the 3 bolt. Then install the starter.

Using DROID BIONIC. 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5

__________________
1998 Ford Ranger 2.5
How To: Dual ignition Plug mod (Dual plug 2.3/2.5L only)
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...2-5l-only.html

what he said^^^^^^^^^^^^^....you might get someone to help since you are a beginner....sometimes it is easier to remove the Starter and lower it a little to get access to the Electrical connections..........also don't forget to remove the neg battery terminal as Doc mentioned.........................finally...althou gh not necessary......if you can get 6 point sockets.......they work a little better........less chance of stripping the bolt.....I can't remember the size of the bolts 13 or !4MM?....I always like to hit any bolts with a rust penetrator first and let them soak a little......For a reference....I am a OK backyard mechanic that works in my driveway.....I would put the truck on my car ramps.........I could change out that starter in less than 30 minutes...... soup to nuts!!!

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Just wanted to thank everyone again for their help!

I got a friend to help me install the starter (needed ramps) and it is not starting perfectly!

I would check the fuel pump relay, I had the same problem with my 94 last summer!

I didn't need use ramps since its high enough for me to crawl under the truck of course i am a little guy

Using DROID BIONIC. 1998 Ford Ranger 2.5

__________________
1998 Ford Ranger 2.5
How To: Dual ignition Plug mod (Dual plug 2.3/2.5L only)
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...2-5l-only.html

he has already narrowed it to the starter. he is new lets not over inform him and confuse. lol

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1994 ranger reg cab 4x4 2.3l 5speed. first 4X4!! coil mod 212k miles no throttle cable mod needed!

Sorry - I meant it is NOW working properly!

Thanks again ;]