Don't forget to take out your tranny fill tube before attempting to wiggle it out - I didn't know it could come apart and spent maybe an hour desperately trying to fit it through, took out the top half of the tube and had the starter out in maybe 10 minutes. Chances are it's covered in years of god knows what and near impossible to get a firm grip, so be patient and give yourself all the space you can!
I avoided rebuilding for the same reasons - knowing my luck, something else would absolutely crap out asap. If you shoot for a new unit, I personally got
this one from DB Electric back in July and it's worked great. There's a review from one guy saying it was different than what came out of his vehicle (specifically the gear/splines), but I certainly had an OEM piece and they were identical as far as I can tell. You'll notice your truck turn over much faster, regardless! Maybe 2/3 as fast, I'd say
__________________
Y2K Highlander
Millennium Silver 3.4L auto @ 320k and climbing
Toytecs + 5100s / 7.5 wrap + OME spacers + Tokicos / JBA UCAs / Anonymous Fab. LBJs / Total Chaos Gussets / EimKeith PCK + LCAR / Extended Bump Stops; Brake Lines; Rear Diff Breather / True North Fab. Hybrid Bumper / CBI Hybrid Bumper + Tire Carrier / 4xInnovations Hybrid Sliders / Opt Offroad Trailing Arms / Lil Skip Gas Skid / BudBuilt Front Skid / ARB Rear Locker