Yes it can go in backwards. Pull your inspection cover off and see if the converter lugs are in the recess of the flexplate.

Dave

 

yes as stated,also the ring gear will be hanging off of the flexplate towards the converter

see pic http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...t/ProductDisplayPopup?storeId=10001&partNumber=890-399273&langId=-1&showValue=1

 

Ok, that is the same flexplate I am using and the side shown in the picture is facing the engine. So I am stupid and its backwards.

It idled for about 5 min. and I went through the gears once. I hope that wasn't enough to do permanent damage.

thank you.

 

i had a friend help me install my 406 several years ago and he put the flex plate on backwards. [the reason why is a long story.] anyhow it woud NOT bolt up that way and that is when we noticed it. we switched it around and proceeded to install the engine. however, in the process of trying to install it with the flex plate reversed, we had cupped the flex plate and i had a problem with the starter grinding on random starts until i discovered that the flex plate had been distorted. i remembered why (the backwards install) replaced the flex plate and have had no further problems (10 years later).