Whats this and how to remove it

How do I remove this plate to change the metal gasket?

 

disconnect the drive shaft, unscrew the four bolts, and loosen the two engine studs immediately above it. It should pull out straight out with some force. Those plates behind it are actually thin half-circle shims - is that the metal gasket you're referring to?

 

Yea thats it. The motors out and already pryed a bit on it with no movement. Figured I would check here before I break it. Thanks

 

SHIMS. Not a gasket. Shims.

You don't just arbitrarily "change" them; you'll screw up gear lash or bearing float within the middle gear box. Don't lose them and keep track of the order they came out in.

YOU NEED A SERVICE MANUAL before you do hurt something.

 

I got a service book but didn't mention the removal of this. Was going to replace them cause there a little beat up/bent.

 

+1 on what BigFitz said - you shouldn't have to replace those unless you check your gear lashing and find you need to. The haynes manual is pretty descriptive about how to do that.

 

Again; they're SHIMS. If the part you can see is a bit beat up, NO BIGGIE.

I highly recommend you leave them alone. That's an adjustment you don't need to "break."