broken flexplate-what do i check for possible tranny damage?

[rickcdewitt]

hey guys i know next to nothing about slush boxes.my neighbor who just had a few vertibrae fused in his back asked me to look at his 96, 4.0l, 2wd, auto explorer since it broke down the other day.

i pulled the starter and found that the torque converter and flexplate aren't attached to the motor any more.

i've read a little here and around that its a relatively common issue. also a little about torque converter support bushings in the pump going bad?

could this be the cause of the broken flexplate?(no support?)

also any tips on checking for possible damage that could happen in this situation would be greatly appreciated,i don't want to take the tranny out more than once.

he said it rattled and banged pretty loud when it happened so it got me wondering what else needs to be done, thanks.

 

[Bruce]

The breaking of flex plate is common problem, things that will need looking at would be torgue converter hub and front pump assembly meaning the gears and housing and bushing.

 

[rickcdewitt]

thanks bruce.i guess i'm just looking for galling or obvious damage?how much play from the torque converter hub to its bushing is normal and is that a cause of broken flexplates?

heres some pics

maybe this was the reason haha

 

[rickcdewitt]

broke off around the center hub. i'm hoping the torque converter isen't galled too much to center it