Backing plate

[fiveologyjay]

I just got done putting a clutch in my 91 ranger 4.0L 4x4. I completely forgot to put that really thin steel plate that goes behind the flywheel back on. I was thinking i could pull the tranny bolts back out and cut the plate in two and slide it in from each side. Will it hurt anything by not having it in there? Please help

Thanks

Jay

 

[2ranger87]

I would tend to think that you would need that plate there in order to properly mount/shim the starter. I suppose you could make it a two-piece to get it back in there, but I wouldn't run without the plate.......

 

[fiveologyjay]

I have started it and moved it out of the shop. The starter actually engages perfectly. My main worry was the Tranny being the 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch closer to the engine. I wasn't sure if the imput shaft had that much travel thru the pilot bearing and into the back of the crank. I think I would feel better driving it if i put it back in though.

 

[cocoasranger]

On the 4.0L drive train the pilot bearing is pressed into the center of the flywheel, not the crank flange (as it is on the 2.9L setup). If you loosen the trans to engine bolts and separate the two parts slightly, you can slide in the plate without taking the bolts out.

The plate has slots rather than holes for the top bolts which allows you to do this. (I know because I made the exact same mistake you did).

I have read numerous TRS posts of people driving without a plate without having any problems for what it's worth.

 

[fiveologyjay]

The only other clutch I had done was on my mustang where the pilot bearing was in the crank. I thought it was different to have it in the flywheel like that. Thank you very much. I think I'll still try and slide it in but if its not going to hurt anything right now I might just wait until its warmer than 20 degrees outside haha. Thanks again.

 

[RangerRocker]

I have oil leaking from the same spot you are talking about on my 02. I checked the dip stick and its past the x where it says max. Is there another reason why its leaking from here, i think there is just too much oil and its trying to find somewhere to go. Any advice?

Thanks in advance,