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

 

its a dirt shield

i would highly recommend putting it back in, it keeps rocks and debris out of you clutch

 

So you're saying it's important? I'm just kidding by the way!

 

I think I'll try cutting the thing in half and putting it in as two pieces from each side. There is no way Im pulling it back apart. My main worry is that the transmission is 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch closer to the engine because that plate isn't there. I wasn't sure if that would cause an issue with the input shaft pushing on the crank but I think there is enough room.