Starter Question - 1993 K1500, 4WD, Manual Trans, 305 V8

Finishing a clutch job on my 1993 K1500 with 5spd manual trans and 4WD. While I am at it I want to replace the starter as it is
the original unit and is tired. I plan to just buy a reman' from Rock Auto and there seems to be several choices for the year and model
of my truck. The choices are either a starter with an 8mm electrical post, a 10mm post, a smooth and not stepped down casing, or a stepped
down casing. Also some starters have a higher kW rating which I assume means that they have a higher cranking torque. Will any or all of
these starters fit my application? I don't see any clearance issues as there seems to be plenty of room for any starter stepped or un-stepped.
I am inclined to just buy the starter with the highest kW rating. BTY, the old starter is un-stepped and has an 8mm post. It was always
doggy and seemed marginal for the job. What do you think is best? Post size is a very minor issue to deal with.

Thanks

Randy

rehoward said:

1993 K1500 with 5spd manual trans

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rehoward said:

I want to replace the starter

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rehoward said:

The choices are either a starter with an 8mm electrical post, a 10mm post, a smooth and not stepped down casing, or a stepped down casing.

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I don't care about the "electrical post" size, and I don't know what a "stepped-down casting" means. Photos? Links?

rehoward said:

some starters have a higher kW rating which I assume means that they have a higher cranking torque.

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Yes.

rehoward said:

Will any or all of these starters fit my application?

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I'd expect so...but sometimes manual-transmission applications are a little screwy.

rehoward said:

I am inclined to just buy the starter with the highest kW rating.

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Not a bad plan.

If this were me, I'd be looking for a PG260, and the two starter bolts to go with it.

Stepped-down casing is in reference to the outer housing diameter of the main starter body. This is the heavy steel casing that holds
the field coils. Some starters have a casing of a constant diameter throughout their length while apparently others have a a reduced
diameter, beginning maybe 1-1/2" from the rear of the starter. I assume this is done for installation in tight applications, but I really
don't know. I would think you would lose some magnetic flux (and motor torque) from this but I am no physicist.

OP
can you post 2 or 3 pics of your starter? --- including one shot depicting Both boltheads in same pic.

rehoward said:

Stepped-down casing is in reference to the outer housing diameter of the main starter body. This is the heavy steel casing that holds
the field coils. Some starters have a casing of a constant diameter throughout their length while apparently others have a a reduced
diameter, beginning maybe 1-1/2" from the rear of the starter.

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Like this?

Or (crappy photo)


My suggestion is to buy a starter that doesn't have field coils.

Permanent-magnet, gear reduction (PMGR) is the way to go in this century. PG260 suggested. See attachment.

Schurkey said:

Like this?

You must be registered for see images attach

Or (crappy photo)

You must be registered for see images attach

My suggestion is to buy a starter that doesn't have field coils.

Permanent-magnet, gear reduction (PMGR) is the way to go in this century. PG260 suggested. See attachment.

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Agreed 100%

Oh geez, I feel so out of date. I can see why the PG260 is the way to go. So much more compact and powerful.
I personally would try either Rock Auto or DB Electrical for finding one cheap. Are there other suggestions of who to try?
Anyone have a specific part number? I don't want to spend $200 or more for a starter on a truck that is used to haul
garbage or lumber once or twice a month. Maybe a modern SBC factory starter would fit at an affordable price, if I knew the
correct year to do a search on? Or is PG260 all I need to know? Thanks for all the help.

Drive to a Treasure Yard, find V6/V8 GM trucks with crash damage. Look at the starter.

When you find one you like, I bet you're out-the-door for ~$40.

Schurkey said:

Drive to a Treasure Yard, find V6/V8 GM trucks with crash damage. Look at the starter.

When you find one you like, I bet you're out-the-door for ~$40.

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wherever you source a PG260 PMGR, be sure to get the correct bolts too; those old bolts from that big old heavy 10MT starter just won't do (they'll fit but they cannot fit properly & starter cannot stay tight) !
I've had ideal results with both new alternators and starters from DB Electrical.

Well, I contacted DB Electrical about a recommendation for a PG260 type starter for my 1993 and their application
reference material indicates that a PG260 starter is suitable only for C/K/R/V trucks from 1994-2002. I assume that
Chevy continued to use the 305 engine into 1994 and beyond so logically there should not be an issue with fitment.
They are asking for a GM part number of a PG260 style that I know will work. Can anyone help with that? Thanks.

Randy