2002 gmc sonoma 2.2l starter wont engage i have switched it out at autozone three times u can hear it spinning but it wont engage to the flywheel i have tried shims they do nothing can someone please help me?

Sounds like the starter drive is not engaging. The starter drive on the starter is not engaging into the flywheel. You would be able to hear the motor on the starter it is just that the drive gear on the end of the starter is not coming out to the flywheel .

the starter and flywheel cannot "unsync" unless you removed the starter and reinstalled it incorrectly! .. the starter pinion is moved "up or forward" on the starter shaft and engages the flywheel when the starter is "engaged".. the flywheel never moves from its factory installed position (unless something catastrophic happened).. the starter pinion always engages unless there is something wrong with the starter

If the engine will not crank, you'll need to know if you have power at the starter posts. It could be the neutral switch or the starter relay.

It sounds like the starter is going bad. you may want to replace it before it destroys your flywheel. A lifetime replacement starter at autozone is about $125.00 plus instalation if this was helpfull please leave good feed back

The problem is in the start circuit if the starter won't engage from the key. From battery to ignition switch to neutral park safety switch to starter relay to starter solenoid to starter to ground and back to battery-lights come on so switch is good, next check the neutral safety switch for power in and power out.
Once you get the start circuit working so starter engages from the key, then you can address the ignition circuit for possible no spark.

A whinning noise is usually from the starter spinning but not engaging with the flywheel.
The solenoid or bendix gear may not be working which would require a replacement starter.
If you heard a grinding noise, I would say some teeth are missing from the flywheel.

The bendix on the starter can be bad and the starter will still turn but not engage the flywheel,

take the starter out then take a crow bar and try to turn the flywheel if it dont turn then the engine is tied up if it does turn then look at the teeth on flywheel and see if any are missing if thay are repace the flywheel if not check the starter teeth for missing ones if none are gone then have the starter bench tested make sure the bendex on the starter is kicking the gear out if not then you need to replace the starter

take your starter out and rotate your flywheel that connect to your starter full turn look for any damaged teeth on that flywheel if you notice any your flywheel need replacement if not your starter gear also could be a problem or starter itself is no good .

the teeth on your starter or the teeth on your flywheel are broken or possibly your starter isnt engaging all the way