I know
all about the white-outs btw Erie and Buffalo...that's where I'm stuck.
Sounds like your starter is, um, starting to go.
I'd get it pulled and rebuilt before it leaves you stranded. Winter is tough on diesel starters. The rebuild shouldn't be too expensive, it might just need brushes. Can't remember what the starter rebuild on our SD cost...I do know that I've never owned a car that didn't need a starter when it was umder my care....
We had the squeaky front end too. The SD's new owner (a friend of mine down in FL actually) just landed a sweet job and dropped ~$3000 on a full front end rebuild (he doesn't do his own work). The car is definitly worth it though! She was a real sweetheart.
Happy Motoring!