problem solved. moved hot wire to one of the two starter mounting bolts and moved ground wire to post on starter and starter now turns clockwise. threw in a starter rebuild kit from DB Electrical while I was at it. I was impressed with their low prices on starter rebuild and gear drive. Kudos to DB Electrical (find them on ebay).

getting quite good at removing starter from Trailboss.

 

bill123c, when you rebuilt the starter you put the end of the starter on 180 degrees out of phase. Look for small (about 1/4 inch) lineup marks on the starter case.

Greg

 

thanks Greg. Although I solved the problem by swapping the cables, I felt it still didn't look right.

 

I have a 05 Ranger 4X4 that has the same starter problems. The starter keeps spinning out several times then it will eventually catch and start.