didnt say you couldnt shim the starter,i said you shouldnt have to unless there is an issue. worn teeth on the starter,flexplate or improper starter bolts can be an issue. if you are going through so many starters,there is an issue somewhere. the info is there to help,not to start bs. as for the 6. 2/6. 5 not being able to compare to a cummins of any vintage in the power dept,you are wrong. when it comes to being able to get maxium power out of one or the other,the cummins with no doubt is the winner.