From what I have researched the original hitachi or however you spell it is the only one that will give you long life. Ran iñto this with an 02 2500 with a reman from Napa, worked for 8 months then the intermittent grind. They told me to check the flywheel, so I did. Not chips or excessively worn teeth. The tested the starter and said it was fine. They did give ma another starter but l went on line and bought the hitachi unit and put that in. I'll let you know in a few months if it is any better. I will tell you this a new hitachi cost about the same as the china reman from Napa.

 

On my 2007 3500 silverado classic LBZ had what I think was the same issue, replaced the flywheel and the starter, 3 years ago and not another grinding noise when attempting to start since.

Not that it most likely matters but I purchase nothing but GM parts for this truck, on the other two I tend to cheap out a bit and buy napa parts.

Had shims available but used none.

 

Update: New flywheel and NEW Delco high torque starter. Been good for 6 months now.

 

Same, had dealer replace flywheel and starter, no more grinding. Service manager says the ones they have changed have never came back grinding.