Torque Converter

[Diff Whack Daddy]

I recently cracked and distorted my flex plate, the part that the starter engages and the torque converter bolts to. I have a few questions that I am hoping people can answer. First, has anyone ever heard of this happening, what causes it, and does it damage the torque converter at all? Also, since I have to pull the tranny to remove and replace the flexplate, I was wondering if there was an aftermarket torque converter that I can replace the stock one with or is that even necceessary? If there is one, where can I find it? Thanks.

 

[jimmiecakes]

Cracked flex plates is something I equate more with small block Chevys.... have yet to see one on the 4.0. After this many years I can honestly "I ain't seen it all, yet".

Rebuilt and new convertors are available in the aftermarket... over 100 coconuts here in Canada. Bear in mind that there is a lot of crud that collects around the perimeter of the convertor - forced there by centrifugal force.

If it were my car, I'd seriously consider changing the torque. For sure I'd change the seal in the front pump and take a hard stare at the bushing in the front pump, replacing if I felt anything close to a need.

Here in Canada, "most" lock-up convertors will push $200 exchange for a rebuilt.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

You mention the pump seal and bushing. What all is involved in that? Do I have to get into the guts of the tranny or can I get to them by removing the torque converter?

 

[jimmiecakes]

Removing the torque convertor will get you to the front seal. As I said, I'd change this just because I'm there. The bushing resides further in from the TC seal and may or may not (sorry, I just can't remember) require removal of the transmission pump to replace. But we are jumping ahead of ourselves until we know if this may be a problem or not.

It is important to remember that re-installing the convertor can be an excercise. It is of utmost importance that the convertor engage the pump drive and e pushed into the bell housing as far as possible - you will not be able to insert your fingers between the housing and the torque.

The automoile is made up of two distinct types of parts... sacrificial parts are those designed to wear out over the course of time - usually to saved "crash" parts. Crash parts are those that don't usually require replacement unless there's been a wreck or the sacrificial parts associated with them were let go wayyyy too long.....