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Flex Plate For 225 Dauntless

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by masonmoa, Mar 5, 2023.

  1. Mar 18, 2023
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    was a 79 with 231 V6
    I have another 231 on stand in garage
    I get 2 1/2 " center of flex plate 160 tooth count
    flex plate - Copy.jpg

    should bolt up to a 225
     
    vtxtasy likes this.
  2. Mar 18, 2023
    masonmoa

    masonmoa New Member

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    Thank you sir. From looking at that one and the pics somebody else posted, looks like I've been getting the wrong flex plate. I'll try ordering one that looks like the ones you guys are both using.
     
  3. Mar 19, 2023
    amboynut

    amboynut Member

    Chelatchie, WA
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    Even if you could, how would you get the torque converter in there?
     
  4. Mar 29, 2023
    masonmoa

    masonmoa New Member

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    Ok, so update. I believe I have the only 225 Dauntless with a one off crankshaft. I ordered 2 more flex plates based one all the suggestions and pictures in this thread. None of them work.

    To date, my buddy and I have tried 8 different flex plates. Here are part numbers for them:

    Z-117 This was what Novak told me to buy, and what TA Performance, and Jeepsterman sent me. Does not work. Bolt pattern is wrong and center hole is too small.
    Z-111 This is for an even fire Buick V6. Center hole fits, but not the bolt pattern.
    Z-145 This is flex plate for a 252 Buick V6. Again, center hole fits, but not the bolt pattern.

    At this stage, after spending thousands on a rebuild and other parts, I'm seriously considering another motor. If anyone has any ideas, please do share because this is incredible. Like I cannot believe this has become such a pain in the ***.
     
  5. Mar 30, 2023
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
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    I suppose that you could make a one off flex plate.
    Use one that the center hole fits your application, weld the bolt holes shut, clean up the welds with a flap disc, re-drill the holes to match your crank flange pattern.
     
  6. Mar 30, 2023
    masonmoa

    masonmoa New Member

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    I was thinking about that, but I'm just concerned about future repairs. I'm trying to build this thing with all easy to find, off the shelf parts. I just can't figure out why my Dauntless is the only one that has a crankshaft unlike any other. And how that's even possible.
     
  7. Mar 30, 2023
    OzFin

    OzFin Vintage Jeep Guy

    Michigan
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    I understand your desire for off the shelf parts, I would want that too...if possible.

    That being said...for the cost of a flexplate I would modify one to fit the motor/ crankshaft that you have. Other than stripping the teeth off a ring gear I've only seen one flexplate fail in service , and that was because the torque converter bolts loosened up and the owner kept driving it in that condition.

    The force on the modified flexplate and related bolts would be a shear load on the bolt shanks and I believe that if properly torqued that they would never be an issue. The flexplate would be indexed properly to the crankshaft by the center pilot hole so I don't see any way it would be off center/ out of round. I suspect that it would last a lifetime.

    It seems it would be worth the money to try it, certainly less expensive than starting over with a different motor.
    I hope you can overcome this issue one way or another and get to where you can enjoy driving your Jeep.:beer:
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2023
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  8. Mar 30, 2023
    45es

    45es Active Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Naches, WA
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    Probably a shot in the dark but you might try looking up the casting number on your flywheel. With that number, go back to Moses Ludel and ask if that info could be used to decipher what motor or crankshaft that you have. maybe this could lead to a flex plate that fits.

    Rather than considering replacing the motor if you can't figure this out, you might consider replacing just the crankshaft.
     
  9. Mar 31, 2023
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    A lot of Jeepster Commandos with the Dauntless had TH400 automatics. I believe the TH400 used the same converter bolt pattern as the TH350 because I have interchanged those transmissions.
    No old Commando flexplates out there?
    -Donny
     
  10. Mar 31, 2023
    masonmoa

    masonmoa New Member

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    Thanks for the positive energy and suggestion. This Jeep has been a 10 year project, and I'm finally so close to the finish line. Only thing left is this dang flex plate.

    Which, I finally figured out this morning. So it got it done!! I'm embarrassed to say what the problem was, but let me just say it was 100% user error. I seriously can't believe we had the right part the entire time...

    I'll add that if anyone needs a flex plate for a 225 Dauntless V6, part number is Z-117, and they're cheaper to order from O'Reily, Autozone or Napa than from a specialty shop.
     
  11. Mar 31, 2023
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    You do understand that an unwritten rule of the forum is you must fess up :D

    You might save some other member from making the same error. We won't laugh, at least not much, because I promise that anyone who works on these old machines much has made their own bonehead mistakes.
     
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  12. Mar 31, 2023
    vtxtasy

    vtxtasy oldbee 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Tucson, AZ
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    Glad you got it fingered out! I just know this will go on here...took me a long minute to put my flywheel on too. It is still fresh as yesterday. We have all been there and love
    a mystery.
     
  13. Apr 1, 2023
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    Yep no laughing, just commiserating.
     
  14. Apr 1, 2023
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    Do tell

    :cool:
     
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