Swap out the damaged or cracked flex plate in your 1998.5-2002 Dodge 5.9L Diesel. A flex plate (or flexplate) is a metal disc used to connect the crankshaft of an engine to the torque converter and automatic transmission. The flex plate takes the place of the flywheel found in a standard manual transmission setup. Flex plates are generally much thinner and lighter than flywheels due to the smooth coupling action of the torque converter and the lack of a clutch surface. A flex plate typically consists of two parts; the flex-plate and the ring gear, fitted to the outside of it. Eventually cracking or breakage can occur causing it to wobble. Signs of a failed flex plate can include a clunking or grinding sound with the engine running. A flex plate can crack or fail due to an out of balance engine/torque converter or from bolts that were not torqued to the proper specifications or in the proper sequence. The ring gear teeth can also wear rapidly or break off due to a bad starter, failure to use starter shims (where required), or engaging the starter when the engine is running. An engine that makes noise when starting can also be an indication of either a starter failure or broken teeth on your flex plate. Available in OE-replacement style steel or upgraded billet units that are SFI 29.1 certified. Shop all the top brands such as ATS Diesel, Sun Coast Converters, BD-Powers, Revmax, DPC, Diesel Site, Hays, Valair, and more!
