I recently put a new Trans in my 88 dakota 3 speed 2x4. It ran great for 2 weeks then destroyed the flexplate. Pulled the rans again and replaced the flexplate and drove for 2 days and this one is broken also. Any idea what is causing the flex plates to break?

Your help would be greatly appreciated. I really love this truck and would hate to see her die.

 

What part of the flexplate broke. Did you notice if both dowl pins where still in place.

 

The flex plate is a star and the tip of the stars are breaking. I paid someone the second time to put it in so no I did not check the dowl pins. Is this easy to do if so where are they and how do I do this.

 

If you look at the bolt pattern at the back of any block sitting on the floor ,you will see a dowel pin on each side .These go in to close fitting holes in the trans.If someone knocked them out and just put bolts in the trans shaft and crank will not line up.