Mean Green Gear Reduction Starter (Item #: MG17672-KK)

EDIT: Dropbox is discontinuing support for the "Public" folder. Most of my links in this thread will die 9/1/2017 until I recreate using their new shared folder system. In the meantime, here are PDF copies of the first few pages of the thread.
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Hi guys,

I just got this starter from MG and wanted to start a thread for it. The specs on their website are pretty brief and generic with respect to size and performance. They claim "100% more cranking power" and 1/3 smaller than OEM.

http://shop.mean-green.com/2004-95-TACOMA-34L-MG17672-KK.htm

Weight: 9.75 lbs
Length overall (from face of mating plate to tail end): 7"
Length of gear/bearing housing: 5"
Diameter of solenoid: 2-7/8"
Circumference overall (oblong): 15"
Gear reduction is 4.4:1

At this point I don't have any specs on the actual torque/RPM etc.

 

Ok so I finally got this thing on. Some pics and video below. It sounds pretty sweet and definitely much stronger and faster than the OEM starter.

I will say that I'm a bit disappointed in MG for advertising this as 1/3 smaller. The housing is identical to OEM. So in other words, it is not any smaller. It does feel a bit heavier so I'm thinking that it has a denser winding on the coil and perhaps some upgraded bearings and different gearing. I haven't gotten any response back from MG on the specific specs.

 

Looks good. Why did you choose aftermarket over OEM? Curious as my truck has 240,000 miles and I'm sure I will need a starter sooner than later.

 

The OEM starter is a bit gutless, especially when it gets cold. I can actually count the turns it is so slow.

 

Was it a bitch to get the old one out and put the MG in? Did you go through the wheel well or from underneath

 

I needed about 14" of extensions and a universal socket from underneath. Truck on ramps, pull the transmission dipstick, drop the skid plates. It was easier than I was expecting but I took my time and also did the big 3 wiring upgrade.

 

Thanks for the feedback.....been contemplating buying one for a while, current starter going out so I guess it's time to pull the trigger

 

While I am all for aftermarket upgrades, I rebuilt my starter for $10 on Amazon, so that's always an option too.