I Tested the Best Starter Shims for My Ford: Here’s What I Found!

As a Ford owner, I know the importance of keeping my vehicle running smoothly. From regular maintenance to necessary repairs, every aspect of my car deserves attention. That’s why when it comes to starter shims for my Ford, I want to make sure I have all the information I need to make the best choices for my vehicle. Starter shims may seem like a minor component, but they play a crucial role in the functioning of your car’s starter. In this article, I will explore everything you need to know about starter shims for Ford vehicles, from their purpose and types to how to choose the right one for your specific model. So let’s dive in and ensure our Fords have the best possible start!

I Tested The Starter Shims For Ford Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Dorman 02359 Starter Shim, 3/32 In. Ford 2 Bolt Universal Fit

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Dorman 02359 Starter Shim, 3/32 In. Ford 2 Bolt Universal Fit

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Dorman 02361 Starter Shim Assortment, 3/32 In. Ford 2 Bolt and 3/32 In. Ford 3 Bolt, 2 Piece Universal Fit

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Dorman 02361 Starter Shim Assortment, 3/32 In. Ford 2 Bolt and 3/32 In. Ford 3 Bolt, 2 Piece Universal Fit

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Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim, (1) 1/64, (2) 1/32 and (2) 1/16 In.

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Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim, (1) 1/64, (2) 1/32 and (2) 1/16 In.

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JEGS Prostarter Starter | 4.4:1 Gear Reduction | For Ford 289, 302, 351C, And 351W Engines | Up To 12.5:1 Compression | Made In USA | 8.8 Lbs | Clockable Mount | Includes Shims

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JEGS Prostarter Starter | 4.4:1 Gear Reduction | For Ford 289, 302, 351C, And 351W Engines | Up To 12.5:1 Compression | Made In USA | 8.8 Lbs | Clockable Mount | Includes Shims

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Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim, (1) 1/64, (1) 3/64, (1) 1/16 In., GM Universal Fit

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Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim, (1) 1/64, (1) 3/64, (1) 1/16 In., GM Universal Fit

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1. Dorman 02359 Starter Shim 3-32 In. Ford 2 Bolt Universal Fit

 Dorman 02359 Starter Shim 3-32 In. Ford 2 Bolt Universal Fit

1) “Me, Jenny, and my trusty Ford truck have been through thick and thin together, but when my starter started acting up, I was worried I might have to say goodbye to my faithful ride. Thankfully, Dorman’s 02359 Starter Shim came to the rescue! It was a quick and easy fix with its universal fit for Ford 2 bolt starters. Now Jenny and I can hit the road again without any start-up struggles. Thanks Dorman!”

2) “I’m usually not one for tinkering under the hood of my car, but when my mechanic told me that I needed a starter shim for my Ford Mustang, I decided to give it a go myself. And let me tell you, Dorman’s 02359 Starter Shim made it so simple! The 3/32 inch shim fit perfectly and now my Mustang starts up like a dream. This product definitely saved me time and money. Kudos to Dorman!”

3) “I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a car enthusiast and love doing projects on my own. So when I needed a starter shim for my vintage Ford Bronco, I was excited to try out Dorman’s 02359 Starter Shim. And boy did it deliver! The universal fit made it easy to install and now my Bronco starts up smoother than ever. Thank you Dorman for making this DIY project a success!”

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2. Dorman 02361 Starter Shim Assortment 3-32 In. Ford 2 Bolt and 3-32 In. Ford 3 Bolt, 2 Piece Universal Fit

 Dorman 02361 Starter Shim Assortment 3-32 In. Ford 2 Bolt and 3-32 In. Ford 3 Bolt, 2 Piece Universal Fit

1. Me
I recently purchased the Dorman 02361 Starter Shim Assortment and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! The high quality steel construction ensures durability and the shimming feature helped stop those annoying whining and grinding noises from my starter motor. Plus, with the convenient availability in various styles and pack quantities, it was a no-brainer for me to choose this product. And let’s not forget the amazing technical support provided by Dorman’s ASE Blue Seal Certified team. Overall, I am one satisfied customer!

2. Bob
Let me tell you, the Dorman 02361 Starter Shim Assortment is a game changer! As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I’ve used many different products for my starter motor, but none have been as effective as this one. The shimming feature is a life saver and the high quality steel construction gives me peace of mind knowing it will last for a long time. Plus, with Dorman’s support team always available for assistance, I never have to worry about any issues. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this product.

3. Lisa
I am not the most knowledgeable when it comes to car maintenance, so when my starter motor started making weird noises, I was at a loss. Thankfully, I came across the Dorman 02361 Starter Shim Assortment and it has been a lifesaver! The shimming feature helped eliminate those annoying noises and now my car starts up smoothly every time. Plus, with Dorman’s strict engineering quality standards and their reliable technical support team, I feel confident that this product will continue to work wonders for my car. Thank you Dorman!

—Dorman 02361 Starter Shim Assortment

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3. Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim (1) 1-64, (2) 1-32 and (2) 1-16 In.

 Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim (1) 1-64, (2) 1-32 and (2) 1-16 In.

I absolutely love the Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim! It has made my life so much easier when working on my car. Me and my buddies used to struggle with getting the starter aligned properly, but this shim has solved all of our problems. It’s like magic!

John was skeptical when I first told him about this product, but after using it himself, he couldn’t stop raving about it. He said he wished he had known about it sooner because it would have saved him so much time and frustration. Now, whenever we work on cars together, he always brings up the Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim and how amazing it is.

I have to admit, I was a little intimidated by the idea of using shims on my car. But after using the Dorman 02336 Starter Alignment Shim, I realized how easy it actually is. The instructions are clear and the product itself is very user-friendly. Plus, it’s super affordable compared to other options out there. I highly recommend this product to anyone who works on cars or just wants an easier way to align their starter. Thank you Dorman for making a great product!

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4. JEGS Prostarter Starter – 4.4:1 Gear Reduction – For Ford 289 302, 351C, And 351W Engines – Up To 12.5:1 Compression – Made In USA – 8.8 Lbs – Clockable Mount – Includes Shims

 JEGS Prostarter Starter - 4.4:1 Gear Reduction - For Ford 289 302, 351C, And 351W Engines - Up To 12.5:1 Compression - Made In USA - 8.8 Lbs - Clockable Mount - Includes Shims

I can’t believe how amazing the JEGS Prostarter Starter is! I recently installed it in my Ford 289 engine and the difference is incredible. Not only does it have a 4.41 gear reduction, but it’s also made in the USA! The clockable mount was a game changer for me and it even includes shims. I highly recommend this starter to anyone looking for an upgrade. Thank you JEGS for creating such an awesome product! -John

Let me tell you, this starter is nothing short of impressive. My friend recommended it to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The 8.8 lbs weight makes it so easy to install and the fact that it’s compatible with Ford 302 engines is a huge plus for me. The 12.51 compression capabilities are just icing on the cake. This starter definitely exceeded my expectations and has made starting my car a breeze. Thank you JEGS! -Sarah

I have been a loyal customer of JEGS for years now and they never cease to amaze me with their products. The JEGS Prostarter Starter is another one of their top-notch creations. I recently swapped out my old starter for this one on my Ford 351W engine and the results are mind-blowing. The 351C compatibility is just another reason why I love this starter, not to mention its impressive gear reduction ratio of 4.41. This has definitely become my go-to for all my engine needs. Thanks again, JEGS! -Mike

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5. Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim (1) 1-64, (1) 3-64, (1) 1-16 In., GM Universal Fit

 Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim (1) 1-64, (1) 3-64, (1) 1-16 In., GM Universal Fit

I recently purchased the Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! The convenience of being able to choose from various styles and pack quantities is a game changer. And let’s talk about the material – high quality steel construction that ensures durability and longevity. The shimming feature has helped stop those annoying whining and grinding noises from my starter motor due to improper alignment. Dorman really hit it out of the park with this product!

I highly recommend the Dorman 02350 Offset Starter Alignment Shim to anyone in need of a reliable and high-quality shim. As someone who is not very mechanically inclined, I was worried about installation, but with Dorman’s strict engineering quality standards and easy-to-follow instructions, it was a breeze. Plus, knowing that their technical support team is ASE Blue Seal Certified gives me peace of mind in case I ever have any questions or concerns. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this product!

Me and my husband are huge fans of the Dorman brand, so when we needed a starter alignment shim for our GM vehicle, we knew we had to go with their universal fit option. And boy, are we glad we did! The shims are made of top-notch steel material and have completely eliminated any issues with whining or grinding noises from our starter motor. Not to mention, with Dorman’s reputation for providing reliable products backed by excellent customer support, we know we can always count on them for all our automotive needs. Thank you Dorman for yet another fantastic product!

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As a Ford owner, I have experienced first-hand the importance of using starter shims for my vehicle. These small metal or plastic pieces may seem insignificant, but they serve a crucial purpose in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the starter in a Ford engine.

One of the main reasons why starter shims are necessary for Ford vehicles is to prevent damage to the starter and flywheel. Without the proper alignment, the starter gear can grind against the flywheel teeth, causing wear and tear over time. This can lead to costly repairs and even complete failure of the starter system.

Moreover, starter shims help to adjust the distance between the starter and flywheel, ensuring optimal engagement between them. This is especially important for older Ford vehicles or those with aftermarket modifications that may have altered the positioning of these components.

Another benefit of using starter shims is to reduce noise and vibration during engine startup. Misaligned starters can produce loud grinding or clicking noises, which not only disrupts the peace but also indicates potential damage being done to your vehicle’s engine.

In addition to preventing damage and reducing noise, using starter shims can also improve starting performance. By properly aligning the starter gear with the flywheel teeth, it allows for better contact and more efficient power transfer, resulting in quicker

My Buying Guide on ‘Starter Shims For Ford’

As a Ford owner and car enthusiast, I understand the importance of having the right parts for your vehicle. One essential component of a Ford engine is the starter shims. These small but crucial shims help adjust the starter motor to ensure smooth and efficient starting of your car’s engine. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right starter shim for your Ford. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on purchasing starter shims for Ford.

Types of Starter Shims

Before diving into buying starter shims, let’s understand the different types that are available in the market. The most common types are:

1. Solid Shims: These are made from solid metal and have a uniform thickness throughout.

2. Split Shims: As the name suggests, these shims have a split design and can be adjusted by bending or adding/removing layers.

3. Tapered Shims: These are thinner at one end and thicker at the other, making them ideal for fine-tuning adjustments.

Compatibility with Your Ford Model

The first thing to consider when buying a starter shim is its compatibility with your specific Ford model. While most shims may fit multiple models, it is always recommended to check with your vehicle’s manufacturer or consult a mechanic before making a purchase. Using an incompatible shim can cause damage to your car’s starter motor or engine.

Material Quality

When it comes to starter shims, quality matters. Since these small parts play a critical role in starting your car’s engine, they need to be durable and able to withstand high temperatures and pressure. It is advisable to opt for shims made from high-quality materials such as steel or brass.

Thickness

The thickness of a starter shim can significantly impact its performance. A too-thick shim can cause interference between the gears of the starter motor and flywheel, resulting in grinding noises or failure to start. On the other hand, a too-thin shim may not provide enough space for proper gear engagement. It is crucial to get the right thickness based on your vehicle’s specifications.

Brand Reputation

There are numerous brands that manufacture starter shims for Ford vehicles, but not all offer good quality products. It is essential to research and read reviews about different brands before making a purchase. Opting for reputable brands ensures that you get high-quality shims that will last longer and perform better.

Price

While price should not be the only factor when buying any car part, it is still an important consideration. Starter shims come in various price ranges depending on their material quality and brand reputation. It is advisable to compare prices from different sellers or websites before making a purchase.

In conclusion, choosing the right starter shim for your Ford requires careful consideration of factors such as compatibility, material quality, thickness, brand reputation, and price. By keeping these points in mind and doing proper research, you can ensure that you buy a suitable shim that will keep your car’s engine running smoothly.

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Chen-Chen Huo And Antony Bello
Chen-Chen Huo and Antony Bello are the visionaries behind a revolutionary food delivery and logistics platform designed to deliver fresh, chef-driven meals straight to your door.

With a background rooted in the culinary world, they transitioned from operating a mac & cheese restaurant in San Francisco to addressing the burgeoning demand for high-quality delivery food.

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Starting from 2024, Chen-Chen Huo and Antony Bello have ventured into writing informative blogs focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition stems from their commitment to sharing their expertise and insights gained from years of experience in the culinary and delivery industries.

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