That little bit of rust, along with being slightly mis-aligned, could have bound it up for a bit. Then "pow", it lined up & snapped into place for you.

 

ill have to pull it back out after work tomorrow and see how it goes. its not bolted up with the spacer in there

 

1/16" - 3/16" between the flexplate and converter mounts is acceptable. Anything over 3/16" needs to be shimmed.

 

just measured each crank, they both extend 5/16" past the rear of the block and both snouts measure just under 5/8". so good to go there, i guess the converter wasnt totally aligned with the snout, bout to go back in again and double check the distance from the converter to the flex plate.

 

only need the spacer for 80e's...which if ur going to put go fast goodies i would go ahead n put one in there

 

Thanks for the help guys, wound up being nothing. called the transmission shop and they said my gap was fine. everything measured out good so i guess i was worried for no reason.