Did a quick Transmission In & Out this week to fix a couple issues (New record, 3 hours to pull out and 4 to put in). Noticed that the power stud for the starter is a little loose in the housing. Seems okay for now, but makes me wary of the future.

This is also the original factory starter from when it was a V6 truck - Chrysler Label is 56027702AC and the Denso Label is TN228000-7421 (12V). I know there are "only so many" reman places that get re-branded, and I can't seem to find any genuine New Denso pieces. I want to trust a Denso reman, but not sure I can.

What best options are out there?

RockAuto says the following are "New" (no Core Charge except FVP)
TYC 117573 ( $86 + 0 = $86 )
WAI Global 17573N ( $100 + 0 = $100 )
Pure Energy 17573N ( $112 + 0 = $112 )
Remy Gold 99612 ( $119 + 0 = $119 )
BBB Industries N17573 ( $124 + 0 = $124 )
FVP 17573N ( $119 + 44 = $163 )

RockAuto says the following are "Remanufactured" (Core Charge)
Bosch SR6518X ( $80 + 15 = $95 )
Remy 17274 ( $63 + 40 = $103 )
BBB Industries 17573 ( $65 + 40 = $105 )
FVP 17573 ( $65 + 44 = $109 )
Pure Energy 17573 ( $64 + 54 = $118 )
Denso 2800144 ( $115 + 34 = $149 )

O'Reilly has options:

BesTest Reman V712797A ( $115 + 16 = $131 )
Ultima Reman R712797A ( $140 + 40 = $180 )
Bosch Reman SR6424X ( $168 + 35 = $203 )
Ultima New N712797A ( $190 + 10 = $200 )

Auto Zone has options:

TotalPro Reman 17677VC ( $114 + 25 = $139 )
Duralast Reman 17677 ( $137 + 40 = $177 )
Duralast Gold New DLG17677 ( $189 + 10 = $199 )

Advance Auto has options:

CarQuest Reman 17785SV ( $117 + 27 = $144 )
CarQuest Premium Reman 17785S ( $140 + 40 = $180 )
CarQuest Professional New 17785SN ( $182 + 10 = $192 )

NAPA has options:

NAPA Standard RAY 2446743 ( $150 + 50 = $200 )
NAPA Starter NRO 4N6743 ( $211 + 0 = $211 )
Bosch Reman BSH SR6424X ( $212 + 89 = $301 )

Mopar.com shows the current model as 56027702AD for ( $192 + 75 = $267 ) and that it only fits the 04-09 3.7 and 4.7 engines.

 

Go for the NEW Remy Gold. Remy used to partner with Delco, so their parts are at least halfway decent.

 

You won't find a reman as good as the original. Once you replace the original, you'll be replacing it every two years or so. That's been my general experience with AM/reman starters. I once replaced one in my Honda with a rebuilt directly from Denso's reman site. Immediately after, my daughter left and drove it to University in another state. She later sent me a video later with a loud squeal emitting from the car while it was turned OFF. Turns out the reman starter was somehow shorted and spinning full tilt. Luckily he pinon gear wasn't engaging the engine, it was just spinning and sounded like a big angle grinder. Had her disconnect the battery then I had to pay a mechanic to replace it again. Denso only replaced the starter.

I've found that the starters on these Dakotas are built like tanks. Pull off yours and see why the power stud is loose. You might be able to just replace that part alone. In my case I ended up replacing the contacts in the solenoid, cause I was getting that single click. The starter has never given a hint of trouble since then and the truck now has 345K on it.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...atibility.html

 

I got some of the same replies on Facebook...to just get the repair kit for the Solenoid contacts, the brushes do not wear out. So I'll likely just do that.

I have a backup starter I've been carrying with a messed up trigger terminal, so I'll likely get 2 repair kits and play musical starters.

It seems that nobody makes the pigtail for the trigger wire. I kinda wanna go back to the ring terminal style (98 and older). I have seen Mopar #5014098ad show up a few times, but claims to be for a 97/98 Jeep.

Looks like Dorman MTM 02349 is $33 per kit. No discount for First Call.

The Victory Lap ND-34-SOL is $19 on Amazon.

ASP shows the PN for the 98- Stud Connection is ASP #76-82578, Denso #053480-7842 : https://www.aspwholesale.com/termina...05.9L%20360cid

ASP shows the PN for the 99+ Quick connection is ASP #76-82579 , Denso #053480-8080 or #053480-8260 : https://www.aspwholesale.com/termina...05.9L%20360cid

 

I ordered three of the stud mounts (gives me a spare to screw up if such happens). Already opened my spare starter and removed the broken factory terminal. Un-soldering the coil wires was fun... Had my iron all the way up at 900*F to melt the solder.

Wait for the new terminal to come in and see if I can successfully install it and re-solder the wires. This one looks fairly new inside, TBH I probably don't need to get the rebuild kit. The contacts have practically no wear on them. It's a parts store starter, I have no idea where or when I got it and the label is half worn off, so I can't identify it.

 

If you think about it, the brushes should never wear out cause the motor is only used for seconds when cranking, unlike an alternator or some other electric motor. If the contacts in the solenoid are good, then I'd just replace the terminal, like you said.

 

a bit late but...
I installed a Mopar performance lightweight starter about 9 years ago that has been problem free.
#P5249644AC , it was $165