i posted a question relating to this... but would a ****ed up tranny somehow possibly cause the car to have starting problems?? I am sure the starter and transmission have a relationship... as in the car has to be in neutral.

OR, my 150k mile starter is ****tin out on me. It happened twice... it just cranks and makes a weird chocking/clunking sound when I stop trying to start. After the 5th or 6th time, it would actually start fine. Any input would be great. thanks

Your flywheel could be bent or missing some teeth, the started moves the flywheel witch is hooked up to the tranny. you should get that checked out by a mechanic.

damn ok, thanks for the insight! I am getting my tranny replaced soon so i will have to take a look at that.