OEM Starter Died: Replace or Upgrade?

[ABS]

**I tried to see if there’s a thread on this topic, so many unrelated convos popped up w “starter”

I have a 2024 w 4k miles on it, and OEM starter has already died a quick death from mud and dirt and whatever else. Easily half those miles spent offroad/deep desert getting after it, and flying across old lake beds in the Mojave and such took it out quick.

What are thoughts on upgrade vs replacing OEM w/ additional protection? Status quo and just replacing w no other mods, I’m fairly confident I’ll need another before I even hit 10k.

 

[MurderedCat]

Warranty sir

 

[ABS]

@MurderedCat , definitely if going w OEM again. What I wanted to know is if anyone has upgraded to a more durable, offroad racing oriented starter, like the ones that Tilton or MSD make for example, after experiencing issues with stock one from lots of offroad use.

Or if no upgrade, any ideas for best way to protect the OEM one more? I upgraded to the foutz skid plate kit (which is great and doesn’t hold mud nearly as much as stock) but the mud still coats the starter. Was considering a thermal wrap as well as an option but would love any other ideas. Talking w people seems like a fairly common problem.

 

[FULLTHROTTLERICK]

@MurderedCat , definitely if going w OEM again. What I wanted to know is if anyone has upgraded to a more durable, offroad racing oriented starter, like the ones that Tilton or MSD make for example, after experiencing issues with stock one from lots of offroad use.

Or if no upgrade, any ideas for best way to protect the OEM one more? I upgraded to the foutz skid plate kit (which is great and doesn’t hold mud nearly as much as stock) but the mud still coats the starter. Was considering a thermal wrap as well as an option but would love any other ideas. Talking w people seems like a fairly common problem.

I've never heard of any TRX with a starter issue. We do occasionally offroad our rig as well and have 55k on the odo. We always take the time to wash out the undercarriage though.

 

[MurderedCat]

We do occasionally offroad our rig as well

Understatement of the century lol

 

[ABS]

@FULLTHROTTLERICK well I guess you have now? lol

I wash it after every time as well. I think this was a case of particularly bad timing, driving along the Mojave Rd and crossing the Soda Lake bed right after the first rain in a long time. Tons of natural alkaline salts, it looked like snow on the ground, and it rusted up everything it could, even though I pressure washed right after I got back the following day.

Video:

I trust my shop, guy who owns it has been at this for 40 years, so if nobody has tried a performance starter then that’s that. Figure I’ll get a heat shield wrap or something to try and protect it.