i inspected the contacts in the starter i sent DoC, and someone's been in there before, as the contacts are almost NEW !
however, i screwed up and forgot to include include an "adapter wire" for the solenoid, as this starter is a 97, and his is an 05.
the exciter wire connection changed in 2000. i don't like to hack on original harness ends unless absolutely necessary.
when i make these "adapters", i use factory ends and marine shrink wrap, so it is just a "plug-n-play", no hassle, no problame-o deal, and a swap over at any time is possible.
sorry 'bout that DoC.