I think I have a cracked flexplate. I've got a rattling that sounds like a couple small rocks in the bellhousing since the tranny rebuild and PI converter. It has been making the noise for about 3000 miles. I'm going to pull the starter to see if I can see any cracks but from my searching it sounds like the flexplate.

Can anybody comment on going with an oem flexplate or an aftermarket and if aftermarket, where to get one. I'm not making big power but I've heard that higher stall converters can cause this problem.

 

Maybe the torque converter bolts loosened up? (that would be a nice easy fix )

 

It's more than likely cracked. TCI makes an affordable aftermarket one. I wouldn't go with a stock one, because whose to say it won't do the same thing. Before you pull the starter, there's a little inspection cover at the bottom of the bellhousing. Remove the cover and get a screwdriver in there and see if you can wiggle the flexplate. If it moves around at all, yank that sucker out and thank your lucky stars it didn't let loose.

 

I have the same exact problem. I will check on my bolts today, but I know it's the flywheel most likely. I'll let you know.
Philip S.

 

I ordered a TCI flexplate. I get my truck back Tuesday so I won't be able to check until then. (In body shop for sh$thead that hit me) I wanted to have the flexplate in hand in case it is cracked. I'm towing a trailer over 2000 miles in 2 weeks so I need to do it quickly. I'll post what I find.

 

I just recently found out from a guy on LS1tech that the 2001 flex plates are weak and thin. He said the 98-2000 are the ones to get. I see you bought a TCI, I can't afford that so I'll try a 98-2000 flex plate. I'll post pics of my cracked plate too.
Philip S.

 

Well, I finally tore into it. Torque converter bolts were not loose. However, when I pulled the trans I could see that 2 of the 3 bolt holes (for converter) were oval and they WERE NOT that way when I installed it. I torqued it to spec with locktite and verified 3 times before buttoning it up. Anyhow, There was also a spot where a small crack may have been starting but it is tough to tell. Installed the TCI flexplate and it was so much thicker, the torque converter bolts were not long enough but that was a minor problem. Compared to the TCI unit, the oem looks pretty flimsy!

She is sooooo much more quiet now and I have pieice of mind again! Thanks for all the comments!

 

Cool Beans, Will be doing mine shortly.
Philip S.

 

damn i guess i have to pick one of those up bafo i put my verter in so i dont have to do this 2x

 

Good decision. In hindsight, I would have been MUCH better off doing it with the trans rebuild and verter install. Oh well, live and learn.