2006 taurus to 2004 maxda b3000 swap help

[RigidiN]

Rebuilt and swapped a 2006 3L taurus engine and put it in my 2004 mazda b3000. When trying to crank there is a lot of grinding coming from the starter and it won't crank but it seems like it wants to. Not sure what's wrong with it. I've replaced the flex plate and the starter and still have the same problem. Engine comes to a dead stop at times when trying to crank almost like it's hitting the starter. Any idea what the problem is?

 

[superj]

Maybe you need a starter shim to movenit out a hair?

Is there any odd wear or damage on the gear teeth of the starter?

 

[RigidiN]

Maybe you need a starter shim to movenit out a hair?

Is there any odd wear or damage on the gear teeth of the starter?

I was able to watch the flex played while someone else cranked it and it wobbles very clearly when trying to crank. Almost like the crankshaft is bent but I'm not sure if that's possible tbh. Bot sure how I could've bolted it on wrong bc it'll only bolt on one way.

 

[pjtoledo]

if the flex plate is properly bolted to the torque converter,,,,wobbling is a very bad symptom.
time to pull it back out.
I would start by cutting some bolts off to use as guide pins and pull the tranny back an inch or so to inspect stuff.
mandatory stupid question, did you leave a nut on one of the converter studs?