A question regarding back of crankshaft 200 I6

On the back of the crank there is a stamped steel ring thingy that goes between flexplate and the bolts that hold flexplate to crank.

How important is it to have this? Can I just use hardened washers under bolts?

If it is critical to have where can I get one?

How important is it to have this? Can I just use hardened washers under bolts?

If it is critical to have where can I get one?

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IMOP it's important as it distributes the bolt loading over a larger area.

I have not tired to just use washers under the bolts, don't think would be be a very good idea for any street car though.

Junkyard or some trans mission shops could have them used don't know if there are any new one's but you could check with some of the online sources that sell Mustang and Falcon parts. You may be able to make one cut out of an old flex plate would be a job.