engine
Flexplate
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
8.0 h
Tools
12
Steps
15
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the flexplate on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, requiring transmission removal to access the flexplate mounted between the crankshaft and torque converter.
Warnings
⚠️This vehicle weighs over 7,000 lbs. Ensure jack stands are properly rated and positioned on frame rails. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
⚠️The transmission weighs approximately 250 lbs. Use a proper transmission jack and have an assistant available. Serious injury can result from dropped transmission.
⚠Flexplate failure is often caused by misalignment or improper torque. Inspect crankshaft flange and torque converter pilot for damage or runout before installation.
⚠Flexplate bolts are typically torque-to-yield and must be replaced. Do not reuse old bolts.
ℹ️Mark the torque converter orientation to the flexplate before removal to maintain balance, though new flexplate installation may require re-indexing.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack stands (minimum 6-ton capacity)Essential
Transmission jack (minimum 1000 lb capacity)Essential
Torque wrench (10-150 lb-ft range)Essential
Socket set (metric and SAE)Essential
Pry barEssential
Flywheel holding tool or blockEssential
Breaker barEssential
Drain pan (minimum 12 quart capacity)Essential
Engine support fixture or hoist
Thread locker (Loctite 271 or equivalent)Essential
Impact wrench
Inspection mirror
Parts
- Flexplate × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Flexplate bolts (crankshaft) × 1 — Use OEM specification - torque-to-yield type
- Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM Mopar gasket
- Transmission fluid filter × 1 — Replace during service
Fluids
- Mopar ATF+4 — 10 qt
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
- Disconnect both battery cables, negative first, then positive.
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands positioned on frame rails at all four corners.
- Remove transmission skid plate if equipped.
- Drain transmission fluid by removing pan bolts and allowing fluid to drain into catch pan.
- Allow exhaust system to cool completely before beginning work.
Procedure
- 1Remove transfer case and support transmissionRemove transfer case mounting bolts and shift linkage. Support transfer case with jack and separate from transmission output. Lower and remove transfer case. Position transmission jack under transmission pan with wood block for protection.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 2Disconnect transmission connectionsDisconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission and plug or cap to prevent contamination. Disconnect electrical connectors including speed sensors, range sensor, and solenoid pack connector. Remove dipstick tube mounting bolt. Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and bracket.Torque specSensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 3Remove transmission crossmemberSupport transmission weight with transmission jack. Remove transmission mount-to-crossmember bolts, then remove crossmember-to-frame bolts. Lower and remove crossmember. Ensure transmission is securely supported on jack before proceeding.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 4Access torque converter boltsRemove transmission dust cover or inspection cover from bellhousing to access torque converter bolts. Rotate crankshaft using bolt at front of crankshaft to bring each torque converter bolt into view through access opening. Mark torque converter to flexplate orientation with paint marker for reference.Torque specCover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
- 5Remove torque converter boltsHold torque converter from rotating and remove all bolts securing torque converter to flexplate. Rotate crankshaft as needed to access each bolt. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Push torque converter back into transmission bellhousing after bolts are removed to separate from flexplate.⚠Ensure torque converter is pushed fully into transmission pump before removing transmission. Converter should be recessed approximately 1/2 inch from bellhousing face.Torque specTorque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
- 6Remove transmission-to-engine boltsRemove all transmission-to-engine mounting bolts. There are typically multiple bolts of varying lengths around the bellhousing perimeter. Note bolt locations and lengths for proper reinstallation. Remove any ground straps attached to bellhousing.Torque specTransmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 7Separate and remove transmissionCarefully pull transmission straight back away from engine while supporting on transmission jack. Ensure torque converter remains in transmission and does not fall out. Once transmission input shaft clears engine, lower transmission slightly and roll out from under vehicle. Keep transmission level to prevent torque converter from sliding out.⚠️Maintain control of transmission at all times during removal. Have assistant guide transmission jack and watch for interference with frame, exhaust, or body components.
- 8Inspect and remove flexplateInspect flexplate for cracks, especially around bolt holes and ring gear. Check ring gear teeth for damage. Use flywheel holding tool to prevent crankshaft rotation. Remove all flexplate-to-crankshaft bolts using breaker bar and socket. Note any washers or spacers behind flexplate. Remove flexplate from crankshaft.ℹ️Flexplate cracks often originate at the bolt holes or where the ring gear is welded to the flexplate. Inspect thoroughly with good lighting.
- 9Inspect crankshaft flange and prepare for installationClean crankshaft flange thoroughly with solvent and wire brush, removing all old thread locker and debris. Inspect crankshaft flange for cracks, grooves, or damage. Check that torque converter pilot in center of crankshaft is not damaged or excessively worn. Clean bolt holes in crankshaft with thread chaser or tap. Verify new flexplate ring gear teeth are undamaged.⚠Check crankshaft flange runout with dial indicator if flexplate failure cause is unknown. Maximum runout is typically 0.010 inch. Excessive runout will cause repeat flexplate failure.
- 10Install new flexplatePosition new flexplate onto crankshaft flange with torque converter bolt holes properly indexed. Some flexplates are not symmetrical and can only be installed one way. Install new flexplate bolts with thread locker applied to threads per manufacturer specification. Use flywheel holding tool to prevent rotation. Torque flexplate bolts to specification in a star pattern working from center outward.⚠Verify flexplate bolt tightening sequence with service manual. Improper sequence can cause flexplate distortion and premature failure.Torque specFlexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
- 11Prepare transmission for installationVerify torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump by measuring depth from bellhousing face to torque converter mounting surface. Should be approximately 1/2 inch recessed. Install new transmission filter and gasket on transmission pan if performing full service. Clean transmission bellhousing and engine mating surfaces thoroughly.Torque specGasket Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
- 12Install transmission to engineApply small amount of high-temp grease to torque converter pilot. Raise transmission on jack and align with engine, keeping torque converter fully seated. Carefully slide transmission forward, ensuring input shaft engages with torque converter. Install all transmission-to-engine bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern. Do not force transmission into position - if resistance is felt, lower and realign.⚠Transmission should slide into position with minimal effort. Forcing transmission can damage torque converter, pump, or input shaft.Torque specTransmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 13Connect torque converter to flexplateRotate torque converter and flexplate to align bolt holes. Install torque converter bolts and torque to specification in sequence per service manual. Rotate crankshaft as needed to access each bolt location. Apply thread locker to bolts per manufacturer specification. Install transmission dust cover and torque cover bolts to specification.⚠Verify torque converter bolt tightening sequence with service manual to ensure proper flexplate loading and prevent distortion.Torque specTorque Converter Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)Cover Bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
- 14Install transmission crossmember and transfer caseRaise transmission slightly and install crossmember. Install crossmember-to-frame bolts and transmission mount bolts, torquing all to specification. Install transfer case to transmission output with new gasket or O-ring. Connect shift linkage and torque transfer case mounting bolts to specification. Remove transmission jack.Torque specMounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
- 15Reconnect all components and fill transmissionReconnect all electrical connectors to transmission sensors and solenoids. Reconnect transmission cooler lines. Install dipstick tube. Reconnect shift cable and adjust as necessary. Install transmission skid plate if equipped. Fill transmission with appropriate quantity of Mopar ATF+4 fluid through dipstick tube. Reconnect battery cables, positive first then negative.Torque specSensor Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts have been left in work area.
- Double-check that torque converter bolts are fully tightened before starting engine.
- Ensure transmission cooler lines are properly secured and routed away from exhaust components.
Verification
- Start engine and verify no unusual noises from flexplate or torque converter area. A properly installed flexplate should be completely silent.
- Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and running in park. Add fluid as necessary to bring to proper level on dipstick.
- Test drive vehicle through all gear ranges. Verify smooth shifting and no vibrations at any speed that would indicate flexplate imbalance.
- After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all torque converter and flexplate bolt torque values to ensure nothing has loosened.
- Inspect underneath vehicle for any transmission fluid leaks around pan gasket, cooler lines, or other connections.