i have a 97 ram 2500. replaced a very worn flex plate and starter. teeth were trashed. everything slid back into place with no problems. got it all back together and tried to start it and no luck. pulled it back apart to check things out. yes the flex plate was in the right way. yes, it was all flush, yes, it was the right one. replaced the starter with three different ones and they are all still hitting the teeth. checked the roundness of the plate and the teeth. still have the trans out and flex plate exposed while trying it. it will start once and then on the second try it hits and the engine fights back and will not turn over. batt's are good. if anyone has any ideas it would be greatly appreciated. tools are limited because i am in iraq. so can't do many special checks.

anybody? i will take any sugestions into consideration. need this truck to move aircraft equipement and air craft to support the war over here in iraq. please help.