flexplate bolts and reinforcing ring needed

[dooghssr]

I tried everything. 2 of the holes are about half off. Is this ring really needed?

[AMX69PHATTY]

Have always used one.
Guess it prevents the bolt heads from digging into the flexplate.
Would imagine it helps to evenly distribute the clamping force.
Last thing wanted is a craked flexplate.
Was 71SC360 able to sell one from the "pile of parts" picture ?
Wonder if they're still availble from a Jeep / Chrysler Dealer ?
One for the TH400 Flexplate may be different.
Don't have the part number for those.
This is info for the TF727 and Borg Warner trans Flexplates.

Try Part # J3152968 or # J3214094 at a local Jeep Chryco Dealer maybe ?

What Transmission is it ?

[Zoner]

The bolts are 1/2" fine thread place bolts. Threaded section is .550 long

The ring is stamped out of .050 steel. Outside diameter = 4.750. Bolt hole diameter is 0.525. It's probably something one could fabricate in a pinch.

I'd agree with Phat, the ring is there to distribute stresses from the bolt heads. There's a *lot* of energy being transferred from the crankshaft to a relatively thin metal plate there.

[dooghssr]

The trans is a 727. I got the bolts from the dealer. I guess I could order the ring from them too. I am just afraid it will be the same one. Could I just hone out the 2 holes that don't match up. About a 1/4" on both.

[dooghssr]

I got it. Lined up the 4 holes and marked the other 2. Used a dremel to widen out the one side of the hole. Fits well now. What is weird I could get 5 holes to also line up, but the 6th was off by over half a hole. This work now. Going to go install now.

[Zoner]

What style crankshaft are you trying to bolt to?

The flexplate has a balance weight on it that is placed to counteract dynamic vibration that the internal rotating masses in the engine will produce. It's supposed to bolt to the crankshaft in one position only, and that's the reason for the offset hole.

[dooghssr]

Got the flexplate and reinforcing ring mounted. I think I am good to go. Just need to get the Lokar shifter positioned before the trans goes up. Have the flexplate and torque converter lined up and marked, so the rest should be straight forward.