Replaced with used engine, breaks flex plates, 2000 3.0lv6

[theant]

That's the part I was thinking about. It could also be they are using a part that is used on other vehicles but had to add a bit of thickness for spacing but I would bet on shear strength as the reason.

I will look when I get in there. I may be able to take some measurements to estimate or maybe see wear patterns to indicate whether it had a spacer before.

Thanks for the diagram as well. I wish I had a complete set for my '93 Mazda B2200 that needs rings. I pretty much have it sold but may have to do the rings to keep the price up. The guy is taking it to Belize to use there but has to drive through Mexico. He wants a stick for the mountains, I tried to sell the Ranger to him but that flex plate would not likely make it.

No idea what their reasoning is, but that is what the picture shows. It looks like something that could be called a spreader.

Might just be a cheap way to reinforce the flexplate without making it thicker.