when the starter's gear meshes against the flexplate gears it has a hard time engauging it, like it's rubbing hard against the flexplate. but then about half way through the teeth go in easy. I did the paper clip test and it does go between the gears evenly lightly rubbing the metal between. does this just mean I have to shim it more or what? It's kind of frustrating to have the paper clip test work but it still has a hard time meshing together.

Also... when I retract the starter gears from the flexplate's and then try to mesh them again the starter gear just smacks into the teeth...even though the paperclip goes through fine...what the heck... this should not be so complicated.

someone please tell me what to do.

 

Do you have the brace on the front of the starter to the engine block? if not start there if you do then I would try using the smallest shim and move the bendix out and see if that corrects the problem.