89 XJ 4.0L Flexplate Replacement

1989 Jeep Cherokee XJ Pioneer Renix 4.6L I6 AW4 NP231 6" RE Lift 35"x12.5" STT Pros
Torque Spec:
Engine to Flexplate bolts: 105 ft-lbs
Torque Converter to flexplate bolts: 40 ft-lbs
87-90 4.0L A/T Renix Flexplate: 33002675 or 16913.11
www.vintagejee...
Special thanks to 88mancheman on IG for helping me find a proper match!
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[@ericstracener2329]

I am having the exact same issue. Looked at the flex plate bolts and now I am convinced it is cracked under that plate you showed. Really appreciate the video... Great content.

[@DatKogasa]

Man, cracked all the way around and it stayed together. It's a good thing you parked it for a bit haha

[@filonin2]

This was so helpful. I just checked mine and it was just loose bolts. Thanks man!

[@MikeBrownOhio]

Glad you made us this video... I was pretty sure it was cracked as it sounded just they way my Chevy truck did... Have a great day...

[@KaiserPlays14]

I used a combination of videos including this one just to get to those damn rear freeze plugs 👍🏼

[@LZDEN]

good work you did Nick..well done lad.

[@danielantoniozd26]

Hands down the best channel for Renix Era XJs every single time

[@matt_wiggs47]

Welcome back homie

[@sonyatipton7264]

Thanx! We needed that!

[@MikeDHasSkills]

After watching this video and the house alternator vid I remembered an argument I had with a guy at AutoZone a few weeks back. The alternator for the jeep is different than the replacement part you get from the parts store. The lowest mounting point of the replacement alt is about 1.2 mms wider on the backside and doesn't fit. Looking at the msg boards other jeep owners complained that it was difficult to install without identifying the cause. The argument I had with the guy at AutoZone is that he said there was a problem with my truck. My argument was that I had an '89 comanche and now a '90 comanche. A while ago I physically removed the alt from the truck and brought it to AutoZone. I showed it to them and they said it was the same, but after pulling out a micrometer there was clearly a 1.2 mm difference. So has anybody found anybody who sells the correct alt, there's nobody where I live currently who reminds alts.

[@closlosc4298]

Low amount of curse words and a whole lot of patience. Wow!!

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Heh, most of that is going to be in the full trans removal video haha

[@mightymikee]

Thank you for making these videos. Yours are probably the best made. Just a thought. With starter out, would you be able to move the flex plate as you were able to move in the video?

[@xushenxin]

dude, you are crazy!

[@kevinmiller9636]

Having the same issue with mt jeep

[@willmorton6800]

@15:38 did you forget to put the shield on before the flex plate? When you pan down, I see it...

[@willmorton6800]

LOL Nevermind...

[@cardentyler]

My emo heart when you were lowering the trans

[@susu-mi7kx]

is the rear brake line 3/16 also for a 2001 grand cherokee, need to change, spraying just like in your video.saw your video. hope i get a reply. no one ever replies

[@frasertive2726]

What headlights do you have and would you recommend them

[@rickt1866]

thanks the video was helpful ...

[@lakrabid]

Nice to see you climbing in funky positions under the girlfriend again.😂😂😂.

[@polishrednecks6322]

Hey good quick work :D what is your front axles??

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Stock Dana 30.

[@drsjr1]

vacuum leak after fixed? what is the soda can for??

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Soda can is a rain cover for the TPS since they are sensitive to water and go dead

[@dxta7360]

On my ranger 98, this same noise comes on either when its cold or warm. In idling, the noise is there, and when you rev too. What do you think could be the problem?

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Does it go away when driving?

[@dxta7360]

@@NickInTimeFilms no! Finally discovered that some of the lifters were stuck

[@joshuahooper5099]

Have you figured out your death wobble already?

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Pretty sure it's the steering box. Already got an aftermarket box sent out for hydro ports. I'm a little behind on my videos

[@joshuahooper5099]

@@NickInTimeFilms That's great man!. Also my next project after I get mine back with her fresh 4.7 stroker.

[@danhambrick6331]

Nice job Nick.It has been a while since you made a video,was starting to wonder what happened to you...

[@LittleMikeStarCraft]

Dan Hambrick I was just thinking about this dude the other day, bam, new video.

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Yeah, life's been a little different lately. I've been thinking of making a video about it honestly just to let everyone know what's up.

[@dustinhobson9622]

Watched several different videos this one was definitely spot on Thanks.

[@huntersteenhuis7348]

I’m glad I was able to help out brotha! :)

[@baldomerogarza1458]

Awsome video as always man! Always a good feeling when nothing explodes after a long job🤘

[@shaneblandford-scherr3375]

I forgot to unbolt the cps.... yank "Yay it's out" what the... F.... And of course Chrysler hasn't sold an OEM cps since 2002 so after market and cross your fingers

[@spothos]

2000 XJ and mine was making same noise and turns out the torque converter bolts were loose. After tightening now I have a bad vibration. Do you think a cracked flex plate can be the issue?

[@logicinthebox]

good times!!! better than a sharp stick in the eye!!! and you can make it over the bridge!!!

[@thetriode]

Just wanted to say I got an ATP from Rockauto that based off pics from forums seems correct.

[@flexfortune4938]

Man, I didn't know about how hard it was to find the correct flexplate. Thank you so much!

[@El-Inge-Topog]

Para la posición es una sola al coincidir los orificios? .. porque yo cambie el mio es modelo 90.. pero tengo duda si esta correcto ya que no revoluciona y hace explosiones además inyecta mucha gasolina..

[@yerwrng]

I have this noise and my jeep stops the noise In reverse and will idle funny ...and so I suspect the flexplate which means I get pull the fucking trans just to swap the fucker...pulling the trans when I had leafs and no belly skid was not bad pulling it now with the subframe and belly skid makes it fucking shit show of work ...tempted to light the bitch on fire .

[@dissociativecat7495]

so question 4 years later, you called a flywheel and torqued it to 105 flb. but is it the flex-plate and should it be 55 flb

[@just_indavidlitz324]

Bruh for the third time this week I have to back my motor off my trans. Problem now being I need to line up the 4 holes. Because loose it still turns the converter. Believe me I cranked the motor over an over and couldn't get it to slip into place. Or at all.

[@Tylerjschmidt]

I had the same symptoms and noises on my 96 Xj then I watched your last video on the flex plate which made me think mine was bad but it turned out all 4 of my torque converter bolts were loose.

[@filonin2]

same here

[@patrickcoyne8624]

Hey man really enjoyed your video.def know your shyt

[@forreststrong797]

My torque converter bolts come loose all the time and it sounds like knocking under load even with loctite I've tried medium and high strength and this last time I used hi temp hi strength. I have a 92 cherokee. Im running brown dog offroad motor mounts and there brackets, they aren't solid but they are close to solid and I think maybe the vibrations help loosen the bolts i haven't had any noise or knocking at all from anywhere once i tighten the bolts. I've started checking on them often since ive been driving it a lot lately. The bolt holes are ovaled out pretty bad ill be replacing the flex plate next time its out. I also checked my wifes cherokee and hers had one loose bolt i think it's worth checking periodically as regular maintenance especially if you have aftermarket motor mounts.

[@gwyn8503]

My Crown Vic is making exactly the same noises. This helps me feel a little better!

[@danielantoniozd26]

Note about rear Main seal replacement *optional

[@SunBrohan]

I've been trying to figure out for the longest damn time what that sound was on my 94 YJ Wrangler. It only seems to happen when it gets hot usually after pushing it at highway speeds the million dollar question i have is this thing safe to drive long distances with?

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Eventually it will split completely and then the engine will no longer spin the transmission.

[@wyattoneable]

Thank you for the information about the flex plate.

[@ravenwood1135]

Nick glad to see your new video.

[@MileytheJeepV2]

Just curious ive heard a few trucks do this and still dont know why… whats the buzzing when the key goes in ignition right before you crabk it?

[@NickInTimeFilms]

That's the seatbelt buzzer.

[@diabetic]

freakin delightful

[@BradMillsOK]

Having the same thing. Inspected two weeks ago and didn’t see cracks and nothing was loose. End up watching your part 2 and this video. Duh…. Wonder how much a shop charges for this work?

[@nelsondln]

Thanks for this awesome video, it’s my turn to do this on my beloved 91 xj 4.0

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Awesome! Make sure you get an HO flexplate for your correct year range as this one won't work for you!

[@nickrodriguez866]

Has anyone found a correct flex plate for an 03 grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0? I'm thinking I'm having the same issue and would like to get it all installed in one day.

[@Killwerth45]

Thanks to your video, I've found the problem and how to fix it. Unfortunately I have searched 13 different sites (including Jegs and vintagejeepparts) as of this moment and can not find a flex plate for the 97 grand cherokee laredo I'm working on. It's the 4.0 242zj. If you or anyone else may have some advice or a site I would be very appreciative.

[@w.c.6678]

You are the "Cheeriest" dude I've ever heard, who just got kicked in the junk. GJ with the explanations and sound bites. Great Video! God Bless you and yours!

[@susu-mi7kx]

is it 3/16 the brake line for 2001 Grand cherokee 4.0 6cyl.2 wd.??? hope i get a reply I never do from everyone else. A girl here and I want to try to fix.

[@babyTOY-YODA777]

So that's why every jeep owner gets a lift kit. Most don't own a lift and you'll be underneath it alot! Haha just kidding. Great video man

[@vlogsibbu1294]

The flex plates were ok, you had a problem with starter

[@NickInTimeFilms]

I had issues with both. I need to edit the new starter video, but turns out the front gear section was messed up and causing skipping during start

[@Rotpuck]

I don’t look forward to this at all

[@tylermadl2088]

I replaced mine and now the jeep will not rev past 2k rpms no matter what. Is it really a shitty flexplate?????

[@edwinrodriguez3163]

I change my convertor seal and when I turned it on it sounded like dat but turn it off fast u think if I spin it it'll be good it was seconds that it was on??

[@peterruppert7856]

Awesome video!!! THank you so much!!! I'm preparing to do my flex plate on my 96... ugh

[@LusiTron]

If you EVER split the engine/tranny, ALWAY do the rear main seal. Judging by all the oil on the engine pan, and the fact that you have a 4.0, that seal is as effective as a sock. It's worthe the $10 not to have to do that job twice... My 2 cents.

[@v12alpine]

You don't need to split them to do the RMS on these motors. You only need to drop the oil pan and rear main cap.

[@bernardorojas91]

Thanks for this instructive video. It helped me realize I have a similar problem on my hands. So, I appreciate it! Nice 👍!

[@johnpadilla480]

That beater of a beast is going to rust away if you don't paint the jeep or monstaliner the exterior there Nick!

[@marvindilbone8356]

Okay so my nearest shop is 30 minutes away, would it be okay if i drove it there?

[@TempoXXUdy]

I know this video is a bit old but did you end up using that longer bolt with any issues?

[@sylvanbowyer341]

Hi Nick. Do you remember the torque specs on the bolts mounting the trans to the block?

[@warrior353jeansguerrero8]

That must be a great 👍Feeling huh ? 🤔 Maybe that's my noise 🤔

[@alexdynamo388]

exelent job

[@ColinDies]

Yo. I think I've got the same thing going on in my 4.0 swapped Comanche. When this was happening, did you feel increased vibration in the cabin from the cracked plate? I'm guessing mine is either warped, or cracked, but I wasn't sure if that would add vibrations into the cabin. Good video btw.

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Might be worth checking if all your transmission bolts are still tight, Pretty sure mine cracked because a few were loose or missing.

[@thedeathwobblechannel6539]

welcome back Nick

[@huntersieling8011]

Mine on my Comanche has the same symptoms but it randomly started stalling not long before it started knocking. Thinking it being cracked is goofing with the CPS causing to to lose spark and stall. What you you think Nick?

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Could be possible. Might be worth checking if all your transmission bolts are still tight, could be pulling the flex plate out of alignment from the CPS

[@romemedina4733]

Please help me with mine xj same issue jk thanks for video 🤘

Oh, hai! :D

[@Smashachu]

"sorry internet, your wrong" HMMMMMMM?

[@NickInTimeFilms]

😂😂😂 I'm part of the internet too it seems!

[@vig5100]

This guy!

[@jacobreese3715]

Great videos and I'm grateful for the knowledge. I ordered the flywheel thru vintage Jeep. Unfortunately it didn't work for my 89 XJ limited. I thought you would like to know.

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Really? what was the issue? did you engine swap or ecu swap anything?

[@davidcoulter7293]

Man I just got a jeep and it is making that Same Noise

[@87fubar]

i know old video but could one be renix and other one be h.o

[@NickInTimeFilms]

HO has a different look to them, not just the timing clocking.

[@87fubar]

@@NickInTimeFilms good to know ive never had renix an h.o out next to each other

[@danielantoniozd26]

I want to buy your Diag tool. I know it occasionally pops up in your Ebay page, Or you could just share the code hehe

[@NickInTimeFilms]

It's all on my website! nickintimedesign.com/product/renix-engine-monitor-ii/

[@unoitification]

I feel your pain I have a renix four cylinder had to send my harmonic balancer from Georgia to California to have it rebuilt!

[@robertmiller2720]

The harmonic balancer on my 1990 Renix 4.0 flew off a couple of weeks ago. They had it in stock at O'Reilly Auto Parts. I couldn't believe it. Had it up and running again an hour later for about $50.

[@christopherfox929]

doing this this weekend, thank you for the info!

[@osrr6422]

Poor ole jeeps gonna need some rust prevention work soon.

[@njrepresent200]

God I'm not looking forward to this😅

[@joemolenaar2148]

Hey nick! Your video finally helped me diagnose the lower end noise I was hearing and could never figure out. Like you the flexplate on my 98 was completely cracked all the way around and wouldn't have survived much longer. But hey I have a question for you. I have everything put back together now and I'm having some issues. Primarily a p1391 CPS CEL. Replaced with a new one today (Napa echlin) and no dice. Rough idle and spits and sputters. Could this be due to the flexplate? I'm running out of things to check. Appreciate any help.

[@NickInTimeFilms]

I'm assuming you bought the correct flexplate for your year? They've changed over the years so you want to make sure you've got the right one. Aftermarket may have been timed wrong. Was there anything else you did to this engine, or just pulled it to swap the flexplate?

[@joemolenaar2148]

@@NickInTimeFilms I appreciate the response dude but I figured it out 3 cps sensors later. Installed a mopar cps and it fired right up with no issues.

[@pierrebrewer9417]

Where is the place u get the flex plate from ?

[@nazcalito]

liked the video even though I have a stick shift.

[@johnpadilla480]

I replaced the Torx bolts when i pulled the transmission out. I also bought a harbor freight tap and die set. That way if i needed to add more threads to my bolts, like yours where the top sleeve part is, i could. it came in very handy for a few issues i had getting my XJ back together. You probably should have fixed that oil pan leak when you had the tranny out. :P

[@NickInTimeFilms]

If I had more time I'd be nice. This was finished the day before a trip haha

[@HeyMyAwesomePeople]

You don't need to remove the transmission to fix an oil pan leak or even a RMS leak on these engines. It's really nice.

[@johnpadilla480]

@@HeyMyAwesomePeople that is true but with the exhaust and tranny out of the way it is a lot easier especially the hard to reach parts.

[@zaq55555555555555555]

We listen to the same music. Lol

[@emilruiz5632]

When you first were having issues with the torque converter spinning with the flexplate were you not worried about correct spacing between the flexplate and torque converter for expansion? Will this not damage the transmission pump without having any space?

[@emilruiz5632]

Curious because I just threw in my motor and am having that same thing happen. I was told that it will cause issues and that I must have not installed it correctly

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Since the flex plate is bolted to the engine, all the spacing is done by the bell housing when it's bolted to the engine. The torque converter gets sucked in tight to the flexplate when it's bolted down, that's just how it sits

[@emilruiz5632]

@@NickInTimeFilms when you installed the transmission I assume you set the torque converter all the way back seated as far as it would go into the pump? If that's the case when you bolted it back to the motor the space/gap would be in between the flexplate before bolting it on. Then the gap would be at the pump. But when you went to bolt it onto the flex plate it was flush against it causing it to turn with the motor. That is where I am confused. Right now that is exactly where I am at with my motor.

[@kennetharroyo6592]

When you are going to do a good roof rack it can be a good video to

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Some kind of roof slider would be kind of neat, but the less weight I can put up top the better.

[@Mattjor]

Man you need to paint that thing or something. Rust has really started on it

[@NickInTimeFilms]

I paint it almost yearly. I don't know what to do anymore.

[@tearsofjoyforallthispain]

Nickintimefilms spray the underside with bar and chain oil or used motor oil

[@inthemusic0075]

Thanks for sharing!

[@slammenpezzz4392]

Any update on fix?

[@NickInTimeFilms]

It's been fine ever since! No complaints

[@sergioojeda4486]

Im need you. help How do you know the position of the flex plate if you did not make a mark?

[@NickInTimeFilms]

It only fits one way to the crank shaft. You can't mess it up.

[@sergioojeda4486]

Does the position of the plate matter?

[@sergioojeda4486]

first thank you very much for answering and helping me

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Yes, it matters. It only fits one way and must go on that way only.

[@sergioojeda4486]

Very kind to answer the questions on the weekend I will check that the link was correct.

[@flex-jsteve540]

just buy dealer parts....

[@NickInTimeFilms]

Heh, you ever try buying factory parts for a 30 year old oddball vehicle? Every website I check says no longer available, and hell even Rockauto is starting to run out of specialty parts for Renix.

[@flex-jsteve540]

NickInTimeFilms just find out who manufactures it for Mopar

[@danielantoniozd26]

Easier said than done

[@flex-jsteve540]

12957294 no it’s just easy period

[@thisnutsforyou5213]

Replace that E12 with two studs and you're all set that thing is garbage. Not only do the studs get rid of those pieces of junk but the studs will make reinstallation a breeze cause they help align everything.

[@YoutubeHatesFreeSpeech582]

You've caught me off guard when you said " hey kids crack is bad"! Lol 😆