This procedure covers removing the transmission and replacing the flexplate on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 Coyote engine and 4WD automatic transmission.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM Ford flexplate for 5.0L Coyote
• Flexplate bolts × 8 — Use OEM specification - single-use torque-to-yield
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transfer case output seal × 1 — Use OEM specification - replace if damaged

Fluids

• Motorcraft MERCON LV ATF — 11 qt
• Motorcraft Transfer Case Fluid — 2.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove skid plates and belly pans if equipped
5. Mark driveshaft-to-flange orientation with paint pen before removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Place drain pan under transmission pan. Remove transmission pan bolts and drain fluid. Remove transmission filter. Clean pan and magnet of debris.
2. 2

   Disconnect driveshafts
   Remove rear driveshaft by unbolting at differential and transfer case flanges. Remove front driveshaft by unbolting at front differential and transfer case. Support shafts and remove from vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove transfer case
   Disconnect transfer case electrical connectors and vent hose. Support transfer case with transmission jack. Remove transfer case mounting bolts and slide transfer case rearward off transmission output shaft. Lower carefully from vehicle.
   ⚠Transfer case weighs approximately 80 lbs. Ensure transmission jack is properly positioned and secure.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect transmission connections
   Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission (use line wrench to prevent rounding). Disconnect shift cable at lever and bracket. Disconnect electrical connectors including range sensor, solenoid body, and turbine speed sensor. Remove transmission dipstick tube bolt.
5. 5

   Support engine and remove crossmember
   Place floor jack under engine oil pan (use wood block to distribute load). Remove transmission mount nuts and bolts. Remove transmission crossmember bolts and remove crossmember from vehicle.
   ⚠Ensure engine is properly supported before removing crossmember. Engine will shift when transmission weight is removed.
6. 6

   Access torque converter bolts
   Remove transmission dust cover/inspection plate to access torque converter bolts. Rotate crankshaft with breaker bar on crankshaft bolt to access each of the four torque converter bolts through inspection hole. Mark torque converter to flexplate position before removal.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove torque converter bolts
   Remove all four torque converter bolts while continuing to rotate crankshaft for access. Push torque converter toward transmission to disengage from flexplate. Verify converter is fully disengaged from flexplate.
8. 8

   Remove transmission
   Support transmission with transmission jack. Remove all transmission-to-engine bolts. Verify all connections are disconnected. Carefully slide transmission rearward to disengage input shaft from engine. Lower transmission from vehicle while keeping it level to prevent torque converter from sliding out.
   ⚠Keep transmission level during removal. If torque converter slides out, fluid will spill and converter may be damaged.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove flexplate
   Insert flywheel holding tool or wedge between flexplate and engine block to prevent rotation. Remove all eight flexplate bolts in a star pattern. Remove flexplate from crankshaft. Inspect crankshaft flange for damage or metal shavings.
   ℹ️Mark flexplate orientation to crankshaft if reusing, but replacement is recommended with new bolts.
10. 10

    Inspect and clean mating surfaces
    Inspect crankshaft flange for cracks, burrs, or damage. Clean crankshaft flange and flexplate mounting surface with brake cleaner. Inspect torque converter nose for damage or excessive wear. Check torque converter pilot bearing in crankshaft for wear.
11. 11

    Install new flexplate
    Position new flexplate on crankshaft flange with torque converter side facing outward. Ensure alignment dowel engages properly. Install new flexplate bolts with medium-strength thread locker. Torque bolts in star pattern in three stages: 30 Nm (22 lb-ft), 60 Nm (44 lb-ft), then final torque of 85 Nm (63 lb-ft). Verify proper torque sequence in service manual.
    ⚠Must use new flexplate bolts. Torque in proper star pattern sequence to prevent flexplate warping.
    Torque spec

    Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall transmission
    Verify torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump (should be recessed). Apply thin film of high-temp grease to torque converter pilot. Position transmission on jack and raise to engine. Align input shaft with torque converter and slide transmission forward. Install transmission-to-engine bolts and torque to specification.
    ⚠Torque converter must be fully seated in pump before mating transmission to engine. Verify approximately 1/2 inch recess from bellhousing face.
    Torque spec

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install torque converter bolts
    Align torque converter to flexplate using marks made during disassembly. Rotate crankshaft to access bolt holes. Install torque converter bolts and torque to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in star pattern. Verify proper sequence in service manual. Reinstall dust cover.
    Torque spec

    Torque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Cover Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall crossmember and transfer case
    Install transmission crossmember and torque bolts to specification. Install transmission mount and torque nuts. Remove engine support jack. Install transfer case onto transmission output shaft with new seal if needed. Torque transfer case mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect transfer case electrical connections and vent hose.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts59 Nm (44 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect components and refill fluids
    Reinstall front and rear driveshafts aligned with marks made during disassembly. Reconnect transmission cooler lines, shift cable, and all electrical connectors. Install new transmission pan gasket and pan. Torque pan bolts to specification in crisscross pattern. Fill transmission with 11 quarts MERCON LV through dipstick tube. Fill transfer case with 2.5 quarts transfer case fluid. Reinstall skid plates.
    Torque spec

    Gasket Bolts25 Nm (19 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specification in proper sequence
2. Use new flexplate bolts and transmission pan gasket
3. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
4. Verify driveshafts are aligned with disassembly marks to maintain balance

Verification

• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature in Park position
• Start engine and verify no unusual noises from bellhousing area
• Cycle through all transmission gears and verify smooth engagement
• Check for fluid leaks at transmission pan, cooler lines, and transfer case
• Test drive vehicle and verify no vibration or unusual noises during acceleration
• Verify 4WD engagement and transfer case operation
• Recheck fluid levels after test drive and top off if necessary

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