3.0L engine plate

[no class]

Changing out the transmission on my 99 Ranger (3.0 L automatic) and noticed there's no engine plate between the trans/engine. Did the auto come with a plate? The truck started fine and drove when I bought it. The transmission was slipping really bad but it moved hence the transmission swap.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've never worked on a 3.0l. I've never seen an engine without the spacer plate. It is used to locate the starter correctly.