(OT) Dodge 2.5 engine

When I got the transmission off I could turn the flywheel and the engine didn't turn. Found the center of the flywheel was broken out but end plate with bolts was still holding the flywheel on.

Also saw the flywheel move back when pulling the transmission off. The input shaft splines on the transmission closest to the front tranmission seal show some wear. It looks like the converter has been moving/walking in and out on the shaft.

My question is can the crank shaft in the engine be moving in and out to have caused the flywheel center to break out? It looked to be more than 1/4" that the flywheel moved back when taking the transmission off. It was getting late when we pulled it apart and I haven't checked for end play in the crank. But after thinking on it a bit and seeing the spline worn the crank came to mind.

Replace the flexplate and be sure to use the spacer/washer that the bolts pass through. The flexplate and spacer are indexed to the crankshaft by an offset hole in the bolt circle. Make sure you have the correct replacement flywheel as it has counterbalance weights specifically for your application.

Also replace the front seal on the transmission and either replace the converter or polish the impeller hub so it will not leak at that front seal area.