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From what you described earlier it's not the starter.
If it is an original type starter then the motor shaft extends far into the bell housing in sort of an axle. There is a bearing on the far end that supports the shaft. So it doesn't surprise me that leaving the third bolt in won't loosen the starter.
Once you remove it, the parts can all be cleaned, checked for wear and excessive play and re-lubricated. Usually that's all it needs.
If you do replace it, be aware that Ford changed the number of teeth on the flywheel several times. I don't know the dates when these occurred but I did run into trouble with that issue when I replaced mine. The starter teeth have to match up. So you may be better off taking your starter to an electric motor shop and having them rebuild it instead of using it as a "core" for a rebuilt one.
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