Removal

REMOVAL
1. Remove the transmission. See Transmission and Drivetrains.

NOTE: Note the position and direction of the engine flex plate before removal. The flex plate does not use a locating pin for alignment. Mark or scribe the end of the crankshaft and the flex plate before component removal. The engine flex plate must be reinstalled to the original position and direction. The engine flex plate will not initially seat against the crankshaft flange, but will be pulled onto the crankshaft by the engine flex plate bolts. This procedure requires a three stage tightening process.

DO NOT remove the prop shaft hub or flex plate from the automatic transmission engine flex plate. The flex plate, prop shaft hub, and flex plate are balanced as an assembly. If service is required, the entire flex plate assembly should be replaced.

2. Mark or scribe the end of the crankshaft and the flex plate.





3. Remove the engine flex plate bolts.
4. Remove the automatic transmission engine flex plate.

5. Clean the flex plate in solvent.

WARNING: Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.

6. Dry the components with compressed air.
7. Inspect the automatic transmission flex plate for the following:
^ Damaged ring gear teeth
^ Stress cracks around the flex plate-to-crankshaft bolt hole locations.

NOTE: Do not attempt to repair the welded areas that retain the ring gear to the flex plate plate. Install a new flex plate.

^ Welded areas that retain the ring gear to the flex plate for cracking.