I've had a little noise like a sharp high pitched knock from under the truck for a while now. I have checked the flexplate more than once with no evidence of it being cracked. The current flexplate and converter has 80,000 miles on them both put in at same time. But just this week I have been noticing a vibration when I am on power, let off and it goes away. It is worse the higher the speeds and rpm go. Last night I pulled the inspection cover off again and still cannot see any cracks. But i am turning it with a screwdriver and there is one spot that I get a little metalic click when I pry with the screwdriver for about 15 teeth. When I pry the flexplate back and forth I can get about 1/8th" of movement out of it but it does feel tight. I did notice a shiney like stuff streaming outward from the converter bolts but they are tight. I just wonder if this powdery like stuff ic coming from the center and being slung outward and catching on the blots. No chunks or flakes really just a real fine stuff. This is a first gen flexplate not a second. I am guessing the flexplate is cracked what would you guys think?

 

It sounds cracked to me Of all the cracked flexplates I've dealt with (maybe 8 or nine) I've only been able to see one while it was still installed in the vehicle.

 

You shouldn't be able to move the flexplate around like that. I hope you have a warm place to work.

 

Oh yes, I have a fire going in the shop as I type. I am planning of tearing into it today I will snap some pics if I remember and can find some batteries. Looks like I will be driving the Toyota to work this week. Nothing like a welded rear and unballanced Boggers for 70 miles a day. Diesel just dropped below gas for the first time in a long time, go figure.

 

Well it is cracked little spider web typw cracks originating from the corners of the cut outs. Nothing big or broken just small cracks that you have to bend it or look reak close to see.
I will order a new one tomorrow either from Piers or a second gen from Cummins. Will check price to see which way I go.
I left the tranny and transfer case together and removed the tranny mount bolts, cooler lines, speedo sensor, exhaust downpipe, skidplate and skidplate crossmember, bell housing bolts and slid it back until the DD pan hit the tranny crossmember. I have enough room to get my hand in there to do what needs to be done. Not too bad except for the bellhousing bolts they were a pain. The rear of the t-case is sitting on a floor jack.
Hopefully it will go back together as easy as it came apart.

 

Way to throw down on that job in record time! Sorry about the flexplate, but better to find out before it comes apart and breaks things/people!

 

Ya I agree with the "G" man.....good on you to diving in there....believe me those things can leave you on the side of the road at the MOST crappy time you can imagine...


pb....

 

I called around today and decided to go with the second gen from Cummins Cumberland $118. I wanted to upgrade but just couldn't take the extra cost this time of year. Will get her back on the road anyway. Heck the first gen one lasted nearly 80,000 hard bombed miles.

 

She's back up and running again good as new. Besides for the plate falling out of the bellhousing and cracking me on the forehead when I was trying to start the first bolt. It was rather easy. But that will leave a mark. Actually several small ones where the starter gear teeth got me.