Hello all,
After a bit of cruising around on these forums and whatnot I found I need a new flywheel as my truck (99 150 4.2l) Grinds like hell sometimes on the start up-- Its only maybe 4-10 times but it is horrifying to hear.

I took a look into replacing it but it seems a little pricey as I am still going to school and I could live with the sound provided I am not internally destroying my engine lol. I might just pull the starter out and replace it as I hope it might stop the noise a little bit? (Please advise if it would) or any ideas as to what to do -- I am decently mech inclined so I could try and fix it myself but I am not cool with ripping out the tranny and whatnot. -- Any quotes to replace the flywheel? ( automatic Trans)

I also am in need of the front shocks on my truck... I have heard that they aren't hard but would you guys have any advice on what to do? Should I replace the coil springs at the same time? I don't think I need to do the rear ones as they don't make any noise but would you recommend doing it all at once?

Lastly... Sorry to bore you guys to death at my "rookie" problems -- The power steering hose has a slight drip and I would like to replace it. I found a few on rock auto for 15 bucks. Could I just buy it and replace it as per usual or should I follow any procedure like draining it first etc...

Thank you guys!

Edit: I know you guys probably think my truck is a pile of S*** but its all I can afford right now. Here is a pic- Cheers!

 

What you are looking for is a "FLEX PLATE" for an auto trans. different animal than a flywheel. But it is the same process to get to it. I would not replace the starter with the flex plate ring being bad because it could just damage the teeth on the new starter. However the grinding could be because the starter is bad, dirty and sticking or chipped gear. I would pull it and inspect it. While the starter is out mark the flexplate and rotate the engine by hand and inspect the teeth on the flex plate. If they are all good (the teeth) then your issue is with the starter.

As for the springs, I don't know why you would want to mess with them if the truck isn't sagging or anything. Just replace the shocks.

Good luck

 

66What he said. You may have a flex plate where the teeth have been chewed off, but it is the starter bendix not engaging properly that causes the damage to the flex plate. If you do have to replace the flex plate, be sure and replace the starter as well.

Nothing complicated about the power steering hose except they can sometimes be a bear to break lose at the connections.

 

Rockauto is a great place for parts. I got 4 Monroe Sensatrac shocks form them 4 years ago for just over $200 all in. Same shocks in Canada, over $400. If the top nut on the front shocks are too rusty you may need to hit it with some PB Blaster or something similar to loosen it up. If that fails, just torch it off.

 

thanks, I will order some shocks off there.. Really good deals right now. Like 16 bucks a piece plus the 30 bucks shipping to canada. -- I will get a case of beer and a buddy to help me out on the weekend before winter to replace the flexplate. Thanks for correcting me!

Thanks guys!