Worried I Bent the Flex Plate

Got my rebuilt trans installed in the van. It drives, stops, and shifts fine, fluid level is good, and the rebuilt AutoZone torque converter seems to work.

BUT—I struggled with getting the torque converter bolted up. Didn’t realize one flex plate hole is offset, so I forced it a bit before lining it up properly. Now I’m worried I may have bent the flex plate. There’s a rattling noise that’s got me concerned.

Before pulling the trans again, I’m going to check the dust cover and make sure the bolts are tight. Any tips for checking if the flex plate is bent while still in the van? Trying to avoid tearing it all back out if possible.

Thanks in advance.

(Edit: Turns out it was that thin metal cover over the flex plate/torque converter area rubbing on the torque converter. I’m gonna have to give it a good shaping before I put it back on.

I went for a ride and she’s driving great. Seems to be shifting a little bit late, so I might have to do a little bit of adjustments, but not slipping at all, quiet and feel strong)

 

If your van is 95 or older, then you need to realign the flex plate and torque converter. The 5.9 is externally balanced, and on the 95 and older vehicles, the weights were on the torque converter.... thus, the offset bolt hole.