Okay so it's a 99 4.0

About a month and a half ago my original starter died.
Hit it with a hammer to get home.

So I went to autozone, I know they use crap reman but it was my only choice as I needed the truck that day. The rig started up that day fine after the replacement. Next morning was grinding the flexplate. So I bought it back to autozone and they replaced it and tested it in front of me. I put it in and all was perfect. Never 1 grind.

Until yesterday morning and this morning when temp dropped in the 20's. Funny part is its only on the very first start up. After that the whole day (20 cranks) it's fine. I know metal expands and contracts but I'm confused as to what's going on.

I've read up on shims to pull the starter away. Is this an option or am on to starter #3?

Thanks

 

I forgot to mention I've been having intermittent problems with the nss so I've been always starting it in neutral to make sure that wasn't cutting in and out. Checked the voltage to starter and checked the connector and all is good.