Hello,

I'm looking for some advice. Here's a brief history of my troubled Explorer (4WD 1995 Auto):

Dec 2001 - Remanufactured engine at 95000 miles
May 2002 - Overhauled transmission at 97000 miles
June 2002 - Transmission follow-up. I reported a faint "ticking" noise that sounded like it was originating from near the torque converter. Transmission shop said it was probably knocking in a cold engine. This only appeared after the transmission overhaul
Nov 2002 - 102000 miles. Driving along at about 50mph, heard a "growl" - i.e., engine sounded louder than usual for a few seconds. Subsquently, started to make loud clunk when starting engine. After starting, things seemed fine.
Dec 2002 - Driving to get gas for generator during the big North Carolina ice storm, lost all power, engine revs picked up (i.e., as if suddenly thrown into neutral). Coasted to a less-than-graceful stop at side of country road. Attempts to start engine failed. Sounds like starter is turning but not engaging engine.

Reading around, I believe it is a damaged flexplate. Ford even issued a TSB in July 02 re. cracked flexplates.

My questions:

1. Can I inspect the flexplate without having to remove the transmission?
2. The remanufactured engine installer provided a 3yr/100K warranty but has gone bankrupt. When replacing the short block, is it usual to fit a new flexplate?
3. The transmission overhaul is still under warranty but I spoke to the transmission shop and they say the flexplate is nothing to do with them. The early ticking I heard and subsequent failure suggest to me that the reinstallation of the transmission contributed to the problem. Are there problems that can arise when reinstalling the transmission? e.g., alignment with the engine?

I want to be able to convince the transmission shop that they should honor their warranty and would appreciate any advice/experience to help me.

Many thanks in advance!

John Miller.