We have a 98 Ranger (3.0L) that when it is started when it is cold
(only cold), sounds like the Bendix is kinda grinding for 2 seconds or
so AFTER the engine starts and you release the key from the start
position.  it does it almost every time it starts cold.  you drive it
for 5 minutes, shut it off and restart it and it is quiet.  it has been
doing this for maybe a year, with no change to the sound nor the
duration.

The other day while walking through a parking lot, my wife heard an
Explorer while it was starting, and she said it sounded the same way
our Ranger sounds.

What is the noise?  Is it something which needs to be fixed NOW or i'll
be sitting on the side of the road??

Any suggestions?
tia, ron