C5 Transmission, missing block spacer plate ??

[Doug Burgoyne]

Pulled my C5 transmission from my '84 Ranger 4x4 with 2.8 to rebuild it. Upon pulling it, I noticed a small piece of stamped steel around my starter in between the block and bell housing. After cleaning it up, it was obvious it was just a broken piece from a larger part. After researching I found it is the "block plate", "separator plate", meant to go between the trans and engine. I have picture attached of the piece that is left. Also the inspection plate is also gone, just leaving torque converter and flex plate exposed to rocks, dirt, water, etc. I've spent about 4 months trying to find one of these plates and inspection covers. Nothing. Can't even find a picture of it (used every search engine, term, chatgpt, cars.com, summit, etc, etc, etc) or part number. I can find many images of similar items, for say C3 or C4 for older cars, mustangs, ford trucks, etc. So unless someone reading this happens to have one sitting in their garage they're willing to sell me...I supposed my 3 options are: 1) put it back together the way it was with broken spacer. 2) Make a spacer by tracing the bell housing and marking bolt and alignment pin holes onto sheet metal and cut it out and hope it works. 3) leave it out all together (even broken piece I have) and hope no issues with clearance, alignment, etc., cause issues. Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

At the least, reuse it. The plate is what orients the starter into the correct position. Personally I would be inclined to use that piece plus make the rest if you can't find another.
Edit; as 85 says in post below...
I do believe that the c5 and c4 would have the same plate, as they are the same basic trans AFAIK.

 

[SenorNoob]

Looks like there is just enough left to align the starter. I'd be tempted to get a plate from ANY cologne block to use as parts to rebuild that one. If you're really lucky, one from a newer truck (2.9, auto or manual. 4.0, auto) would be the same. Have to try to line up with the part that you have though.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

At the least, reuse it. The plate is what orients the starter into the correct position. Personally I would be inclined to use that piece plus make the rest if you can't find another. I do believe that the c5 and c4 would have the same plate, as they are the same basic trans AFAIK.

They are bolt pattern specific, it would have to be for something that has the same bellhousing boltpattern as a 2.8.