I removed my starter on a 2005 Ford freestyle. When I was pulling it off I heard something fall. Like a shim or something would sound like. After I git the starter out I looked where it meets the flywheel and there was a shiny silver plate or something sitting inside the hole next to the flywheel. When I went to get it it fell inside ... What was it and why is it there and how do I get it out ???

SOURCE: starter not catching flywheel

the starter is either not engaging or the bendix is shot. Bendix is the gear assembly that slides on the starter shaft. it should spin free in one direction and turn the starter in the other. and slide freely on the splines (in/out)

SOURCE: starters grinding

any model made after the 6 month is the next year model ( look inside your driver side door ) you should have the sticker that has your date on it,and try a 97 starter, it fits and lines up, ( and its a bigger starter )hope that helps you out

SOURCE: 2005 Ford Freestyle compressor went bad, same mileage

Get an estimate from a Ford dealer. Your problem may not take all the parts that Goodyear wants to put in. The dealer has recall info and may work with you to keep a Ford customer. You say your compressor went bad, but that may be the result of a problem and not the cause.
You can also try independent shops rather than franchises. But you may not know of any. Sometimes I ask at Police stations if I need help for reliable service places.

SOURCE: 93 Ford Explorer Starter won't disengage from Fly Wheel

My ford f150 did the same thing, so I put the old starter solenoid back in( the one by the battery) and it cured the problem.
Come to find out, the after market relays aren't rated right, to get a good one, and the right one, you have to spend more and get it at a dealer.

SOURCE: I have a 1998 lincoln navigator.starter issues

You may be in the group who had a bad starter cable. My 1999 had problems with the primary starter cable that runs under the vehicle. Its over $100 and like wrestling with a python to get it out.
If you noticed lights dimming or heard the radio crackling, the body grounds may corroded.