ATNC325

Ok so my 98XJ 4.0/AW4 has a cracked flexplate running along the center around the crank mounting area. I'm going to order a replacement and have seen mixed opinions on the board. So far i'm seeing these....

http://www.carid.com/1998-jeep-chero...n-4538129.html

and

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...38098_189011_0_

Going to call the dealership tomorrow to see if they stock the part/price. Just wondering if anyone has recommendations.

CCKen

Get a dealer OEM Drive Plate, bolts, and backing plate.

Drive Plate # 52118551

Bolts #J3151407

Backing plate #J3214094

Don't dick around with the aftermarket carpet bagger parts.

ATNC325

....well it looks like the cracked flexplate was the last thing to CRACK in the equation....apparently PO let the tranny bushings go, that with failing motor mounts caused excess vibes that cracked the bellhousing in my AW4 which caused the flexplate to crack. Well regardless of what order it happened, I have failed motor/tranny mounts, a cracked flexplate and a cracked bellhousing. I've got replacement bushings, flexplate on order....i need some help with the bellhousing.

Everything i'm reading says I have to do 98-01XJ for a full on AW4 swap (mine is a 98 AW4)...problem is very little I can find on "bolting up" other years. It looks like mainly the tps is the main reason I don't want to pick other years, but is this true???

Dealership wants $300 for the bellhousing, and so far the Salvage Yards (not talking about pull aparts) don't list the bellhousing a part because they want to sell the whole tranny. I'm heading to the pull a parts in my area to check the yards and keeping my fingers crossed I can find one with a motor already pulled for easy access.

Any insight into what years AW4 I could use a bellhousing from for my 98 would be greatly appreciated!!

CCKen

1988 thru 2001, same part number.

ATNC325

thanks for all your help! Is there a p/n database I can reference this info for future questions?

Turbo X_J

"caused excess vibes that cracked the bellhousing in my AW4"

Were the fasteners loose or was it a previously hacked transmission install?

Aljay

What part of the country are you at? I know a guy who runs a yard and well he has a stash of xjs.

ATNC325

Negative, everything was tight except the bushings, it's possible someone got crazy on an install but everything looked clean and factory

Southeast....I'm in NC, let me know if he's got any and what he'd want for one shipped to 28173.

Thanks guys!!!

w-stev29

ATNC where in NC are you located I am near wilmington and I know a yard that has special saturdays where anything you can carry in one trip over the scales will cost 50 bucks. They do this atleast once a month. It's the best way to get parts in NC.

ATNC325

I hear the coast is nice this time of year!! I'm right outside of Charlotte so that may be a bit far at the moment unless i make a weekend trip out of it...but won't rule it out if my local yards turn up dry. Shoot me a PM if you know the name of that yard. Thanks for the heads up!

ATNC325

Do you have to replace the bolts for the flexplate/crank and flexplate/torque converter? I know to use locktite when i reinstall....but I wasn't sure if these bolts are known to stretch or be 1-time use???

Reason is I'm having trouble sourcing the bolts. Local guys don't have them and can't get them. Dealership wants $4-5 per bolt!!

CCKen

I would recommend new flexplate to crank bolts, 6 each @ $5.00 each/$30.00 is worth not having to worry about them breaking after it's all buttoned up. These bolts get torqued to 105 ft. lbs. which is nothing to sneeze at, especially being used a second time at that torque. They're 1/2-20x.56 bolts - no telling what grade they are. Install dry-no Loctite.

Flexplate to TC bolts are M10x1.50x14 MM bolts, part number 34202497. Lots of hardware stores worth their salt carry metric bolts, but the only problem is you won't find 14 MM long bolts. This is an odd size. You could try 15 MM (better chance of finding them), but make sure you get Class 10.9 bolts. Use blue loctite, not red. Let the Loctite dry on the bolt threads before installing them. Torque to 28 ft.lbs.

ATNC325

You are the MAN! thanks again for all your help!!