Flywheel spacer - do I need it?

[Kevin-in-Denver]

Hi, I've just pulled the flywheel to replace the pilot bearing. I noticed that there is a 1/32" spacer behind it. Do I actually need this? There's no mention of it in the repair manual, but there's a lot of things I've noticed that the repair manual 'forgets' to mention.....

Thanks!

 

[waskly]

yes you need it.

 

[Kevin-in-Denver]

Thanks. I should have said that it's a completely stock 94 Explorer with a manual transmission. So what does this spacer do? Without it, the flywheel clears the engine block and bellhousing plate. I'm curious...

And, it strikes me that there is a lip on the end of the crankshaft that fites nicely inside the back of the flywheel, which will center the flywheel on the shaft. With the shim, that no longer occurs. The shim looks aftermarket to me. From what I've read online, the only reason to fit a shim is if the flywheel has been machined (and 1/32" is quite a lot...) or if you are fitting an aftermarket flywheel. As I say, I'm curious as to why it's there if everything is stock and the flywheel hasn't been machined?

Thanks for any replies!

 

[DENZILH]

I have the same thing, except that I bought a used gearbox and theres one there on the flywheel-must I use it or discard it-spares are a big problem for me and I luckily found this gearbox in South Africa, where I live, as the previous owner put a V8 in his ex with the auto transmission.Please anyone, say if I need to reinstall it with the new gearbox!!