Finally got a few minutes to look into this issue again. I took a few picks and I don't see a key or an empty keyway in the starter gear or crankshaft. Also the new movable drive plate is restricted by the flared section of the crankshaft abut 1" from the starter gear. Any thoughts?

No key or keyway

plate stopped by flared crankshaft

 

Pull the starter gear. You have to see it.
Flared? We'll see. It's hardened so it is doubtful but not impossible I recon.

 

Does it just pull straight off? Seems to be on the shaft pretty firm.

 

Is this were the key should be? It' looks worn down to nothing if so.

 

YES!!!!
That's been spinning for a while by the looks of it.

 

You will need to take the starter gear off so the keyway can be cleaned up (if possible) and a new key.

 

Great! I was cleaning all the surfaces and could barely see the key outline. Already ordered the key. Now I need some guidance on how to pull the starter gear off? It won't budge when I pry slightly. Thanks

 

This going to be tough. I think the "flair" may need to be file/ground/torched off.

 

This the the flair I was referring to. This part of the crankshaft looks like factory but my keyway is ground down flush and will be tough to extract. Does this keyway need to be removed in order to pull off the starting gear? I'm stumped. I also snapped a pic off the internet of another LT80 crankshaft. I pointed out a moon shaped keyway I don't see on my crankshaft. Thank you.
Factory Flair?

Keyway missing on my crankshaft

 

Your front clutch has been spinning for a long time. It has gaulded the metal onto the crankshaft (what we are calling the flair). It is not supposed to be that way.
The starter gear comes off and the key sits in a grove like the pic shows. It is impossible to pull the key first.
Again, getting the starter gear off will be HARD! VERY HARD! Might have to do some filing/grinding. Maybe even have it torched off. This is the worst I've seen in 20 years of LT80's.
FYI: all LT80's are the same, you do not have something different. (I know your prolly hoping so). lol