XDP HD Gear Reduction Starter (New) Wrinkle Black XD253

I was having trouble getting the top bolt for 1 hr. Said omg wtf I gotta see if there’s a trick to this. First comment from people said had to grind down bolt flange to get in top bolt. That was an understatement. I still have the bolt only in 90%. It was near impossible to get a socket or a wrench or anything for that mattter on the top bolt. I was persistent for another hour and that got me to 90% in. Love the starter works amazing. But think about the mechanic working on it for once.

Worked great, but the top bolt eventually worked loose and it started slipping. Taking it out, the main stud and signal stud were rusted to the point of stripping out. I am in NY though so the salt is certainly a problem.

First, lemme start by saying the function of the starter is great so far. Just got it installed today and she's firing right up every time flawlessly. Time will tell on rigidity and longevity, but so far, so good. Why three stars then? Glad you asked. As far as THIS particular starter goes, it may be just for this vehicle, (2001 F250 7.3L) product number XD253, but the design DEFINITELY needs to go back to R&D. The stock starter, albeit larger and more cumbersome, still left full straight through access to the top bolt. I was even able to use an extension on my impact. This starter, on the other hand, has GARBAGE top bolt access. Not only can you not get an extension to it, but a standard impact socket also doesn't even fit within the spacing for the bolt head and the starter body. A standard socket fits, but just the socket. No wrench. What ended up doing the trick finally, was a ratcheting flex head wrench, but even that was touch and go due to sizing. It's possible a stubby and a shallow socket combo would do the deed, but I was hard-pressed to find anything shallow and thin enough for a 15mm.