BD Diesel FleX-Plate - Chevy 2001-2011 Duramax 6.6L w/Allison Trans

The BD Diesel FleX-Plate, part number 1041260, is a heavy-duty replacement flexplate for 2001-2011 Chevrolet and GMC trucks with the 6.6L Duramax and the Allison 1000. Buyers looking for it usually have one of two reasons: a cracked or damaged factory flexplate making noise between the engine and transmission, or a truck with tuning, injectors or a bigger turbo that is making far more torque than the stock plate was built for. BD rates this plate to reliably handle up to 1,500 lb-ft.

What the flexplate does in a Duramax and Allison 1000

The flexplate bolts to the back of the Duramax crankshaft and the torque converter bolts to the flexplate. Every bit of engine torque headed for the Allison passes through it, and it also has to flex slightly as the converter balloons and the crankshaft moves fore and aft under load. The factory plate is a thin stamped part. Add a lot of power, hard launches with a trailer, or a converter that was not seated correctly, and the plate can crack around the crank bolt circle or the converter bolt holes. BD's plate is forged billet with twice the material of the stock part, black oxide coated against corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement, precision balanced, and SFI 29.3 approved. Because it is still a flexplate and not a solid flywheel conversion, it allows axial thrust movement, which protects the crankshaft thrust bearing.

Symptoms of a cracked or failing flexplate

• A knock or tick from the bell housing area that changes when the engine is loaded or the transmission is put in gear
• A clunk on takeoff or when shifting from park to drive or reverse
• Vibration that follows engine speed and was not there before a power upgrade
• Starter grinding or failing to engage cleanly, from damaged ring gear teeth
• Visible cracks or missing chunks when you look through the inspection opening

How to confirm before you buy

Pull the inspection cover on the bottom of the bell housing and turn the engine by hand. Look at the plate face around every converter bolt and check that the converter bolts are tight. Converter problems can feel like flexplate trouble, so if the complaint is a shudder at cruise rather than a knock, read our Allison 1000 torque converter shudder guide first.

Fitment

Our listing covers 2001-2011 Chevrolet and GMC 6.6L Duramax trucks with the Allison 1000. BD's current catalog shows 1041260 for 2001-2019 Duramax and Allison trucks, while some catalogs end it at 2011 or 2012. It is a direct bolt-in replacement and works with the OEM or an aftermarket torque converter. The starter ring gear is not included; BD notes the factory ring gear mounts separately. If your truck is outside 2001-2011, send us your year and VIN and we will confirm before you order. Other parts for this transmission are on our Allison 1000 parts page.

Install notes

• The transmission has to come out, so this is usually done during a transmission rebuild, converter replacement or rear main seal job. BD lists about two hours for the flexplate itself once the transmission is out.
• BD calls for new GM flexplate mounting bolts, GM part 97226126, eight required and sold separately. Do not reuse the old stretched bolts.
• Mark converter-to-flexplate orientation, inspect the converter pilot and the crank flange, and torque all fasteners to GM specification in a crossing pattern.
• Make sure the converter is fully seated in the pump before mating the transmission, so the plate is not pulled forward when the bell housing bolts are tightened.
• Refill with an Allison-approved fluid such as TranSynd 668 synthetic ATF and check the level hot.

If the crossmember fought you on removal, a replacement Allison 1000 crossmember is worth having on hand, and our Allison 1000 fluid and filter service guide covers the refill capacities.

Does the BD 1041260 flexplate include the ring gear?

No. BD states the item does not include the ring gear assembly, and the factory ring gear mounts separately. Inspect the starter ring gear teeth while the transmission is out.

Do I need new bolts?

Yes. BD calls for new GM mounting hardware, part number 97226126, eight bolts, sold separately. Plan on new converter bolts too if the old ones look stretched or damaged.

Will it work with my aftermarket torque converter?

BD states the FleX-Plate fits any OEM or aftermarket torque converter for this application. It bolts in like the stock plate.

Does it fit my 2015 or 2018 Duramax?

Our listing is for 2001-2011. BD now catalogs 1041260 for 2001-2019 Duramax trucks with the Allison, but catalogs differ, so send us your year and VIN to confirm before ordering a newer truck.

Is a billet flexplate necessary on a stock truck?

Not usually. A stock truck with a healthy factory plate does not need one. It makes sense when you are adding significant power, towing heavy with a tune, or replacing a cracked plate and want more margin.

What warranty does BD offer?

Our listing carries a 1-year warranty. BD also lists its own parts coverage on the product page; contact us with any warranty question before installing.

• Allison 1000 Torque Converter Shudder: Diagnosis and Fix
• Allison 1000 Fluid and Filter Service: Real Capacities, Intervals, and the TES 668 Change
• Allison 1000 Transmission Service Guide: Fluid, Filters, and Common Issues
• Allison 1000 Limp Mode: Causes and How to Diagnose It