T/C Flexplate question

I popped the inspection cover on my 85 yesterday and found the flexplate is cracked where every bolt for the torque converter is and also seems to be a crack towards the center of the Fplate, I take it thats where all the noise is coming from . Question is if im gonna replace the flexplate do they make a heavy duty one and also is there a better torque converter I can put in. Im not sure how this low stall or high stall stuff works I would think that we 4wheelers would want a low stall converter no ????? thanx cw

 

Flexplates do wear out, sounds like that's what happened to you. High horsepower/torque is the normal culprit but driving style can accelerate it, too. A heavy duty plate would probably help, but check the tightness of the bolts and make sure everything is lined up correctly as you pull things apart to make sure you don't have a problem hiding in there.

As for stall, everyone has an opinion. Low stall reduces slippage and makes the vehicle more responsive to throttle, but if you have really low gearing you may have a problem stopping the vehicle. High stall converters (1800 to 2200 generally) help the brakes work better and keep the engine in a better power band. The tradeoff in a trail truck is increased heat from the tranny. It's up to you what compromise you want to make.

 

Chasman what kind of noises was it making? I have a hunch the flexplate is cracked in our '89 "back-up" Jeep. I have heard that there should be a spacer between the crank and flexplate but I can't confirm this. I know NAPA sells replacement flexplates but I don't know if they're heavy-duty versions.

 

as soon as it starts to get warmed up it starts tapping or knocking it used to only tap in Park now it does it in all gears, like I said in my first post there definitely are cracks in the flexplate right where each bolt is for the torque converter and also a long crack towards the middle of the plate, is there any way to test the torque converter to be sure nothing inside it has come apart or is loose and making the noise Id hate to replace just the flexplate and put the tranny back in just to have the same problem.