Question about Engine/Transmission Spacer Plate Compatibility (and where to get a replacement!)

[Ninovoa]

Hey, I my brother has a 1995 Ranger Splash (4.0, Manual) and over the past year or so we have been working out all the little kinks to get the car in tip top condition. Since we've owned the car the spacer plate that goes between the engine and transmission is damaged around the starter. The part of the spacer that goes around the starter got ripped off at some point (perhaps during an engine pull?) and we want to replace it because it causes a misalignment with the starter and it makes a pretty awful sound on startup.

I couldn't find the exact replacement but I found one for a 4.0 Explorer (automatic). Would this work for a manual 4.0 too? I think it should work, but I wanted to get some input.

Link to the product page: http://www.fordonlyparts.com/1997-2...-block-backing-plate-automatic-f77e-6a373-cb/

 

[SenorNoob]

Actually no. The starter is in a different place on the auto vs manual.

 

[Ninovoa]

Thank you! You just saved me some money and frustration haha

 

[rubydist]

Why don't you just take a grinder to the one you have and grind away the area that is causing you the issue with the starter contacting it?

 

[Ninovoa]

Unfortunately the plate I have is entirely missing the section where the starter sits against. It could maybe be repaired by welding a new piece on but i'm not much of a welder so I'm hoping to find the part I need online somewhere

 

[broncc]

You might have better luck just cutting a new one out. Use 1/16th thick steel. My starter is super loud on my 2.9 due to some alignment issues with a damaged plate and starter mounting holes.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would measure how thick the plate is now and copy that if you are going to make your own. The thickness is part of the equation of starter alignment.

 

[holyford86]

I needed to replace mine last time I pulled my transmission and I was able to buy one from my local Ford dealer for around 30 bucks, maybe you'll get lucky and they're still available

 

[oldcarlover2]

test

 

[oldcarlover2]

I want to tell you all what made my starter misaligned. The spacer plate had to be loose and engine- trans bolts backed out enough to loosen the plate. First you tighten the starter and then re-tighten the engine- trans bolts. The starter will go in correctly and align the plate. I have taken my M50 out and back in several times for flywheel and clutch replacements. And ruined starters until I figured this out. I got that weird ringing sound and chewed up starter and even a flywheel over the years. My spacer tin plate was all bent around the starter hole. I hammered it out flat and filed it. One other thing, when sliding the plate in, I had to take one engine-trans top bolt out and it slid right in without trying to force it. While your there check the rear seal. I thought mine was bad and it turned out to be the rear oil pan gasket that is a bear of a job so this site showed me how to fix it with R T V and it worked. Also good luck finding Dexron for the trans. fluid. I registered just to tell you this. There are many other hacks I've learned, like the computer capacitors go bad and leak acid on the board so I run my 93 without the computer. I just unplug some of the sensors and it runs on limp home memory. I cant find a computer for a fair price and it runs just as good.