mini starter off v6 mag nose cone mod ?

Dang dude, relax.

The part number for the Dakota starters changed in '96. '92-'95 is a completely different part number (and is the same for v6 and V8's). So it could be the earlier ones fit just fine, you don't know. On top of that it's also worth noting that it could be a problem unique to your 3 speed bellhousing, because I bet most of the other folks have 4 speeds or auto's, and they're not the same. And finally, it could just be the pocket for the nose of the starter on your bellhousing just didn't get cast deep enough and others did, because crap happens.

So, thanks for sharing your experience, maybe it will help someone else that runs into that particular problem. But it doesn't mean other people haven't bolted them straight on with no mods.