re shimming - i agree, put in what was there. if the space is too tight (need shimes) the bendinx may bind or hit the ring gear and ring. too much space and you may grind up teeth.

wally world...not my favorite palce, but then they just opened a wally super center here - and now it is my favorite grocery store! Many things there are 20-30% less than my local mom and pop grocer (pickles, peanut butter, candy, cookies, butter, crackers and more). I like the local folks, but i like my money more!

as to AZ and dealers, etc. There are differences in aftermarket part qualities, and the 'factory' parts are usually better. Are they 3.7 times better (58 vs 200)? If you have to pay labor, probably, and most dealer gurantee parts and labor 12/12,000 if they do the work and supply parts. If you are the wrench, then cheaper is better.

What about used parts? My taurus needed an alternator - dealer price i can't repeat, AZ wanted $250 or so. Junk yard? $25. It was an expereinced part so it knew what to do!

starter - AZ $120 to $180 reman. Boneyard? $20. AND i happened to get a new reman unit - clean as the store'll give you!

as to a 30 year old starter - i had a battery last 11.7 years, and only changed it because, well, going into the 12th winter it seemed like a good idea. teh battery? some aftermarket something the dealer threw in a new Jeep when the 'factory' battery was dead on delivery!

I do draw the line at used brake parts though