flex plate/converter bolts

[texas03042]

I've started pulling the auto trans out of my 96 ranger 2.3.
I do not have a manual and this much cursed computer will not let me download one ('cause I barely know how to turn it on, let alone use it in a productive way)
I do not see a way to get into the bell housing to unbolt the converter from the flex. there is a small sheet metal plate right next to the oil drain plug on the motor. is that what I want or will opening that give me a bath?
also, the 95 has an aluminum drive shaft, the 96 has a steel one. why?

 

[adsm08]

Take the starter off. You should be able to access the flex plate fasteners through that hole. You will have to spin the engine by hand to get all of them.

There is a very good, very simple reason that your 95 has an aluminum drive shaft and your 96 has a steel one.

Someone replaced the 95 drive shaft at some point with an aluminum one.