I was just wondering how many of you out there with the 4.0 automatic equipped Rangers have had to replace the flex plate. A couple of weeks ago I started to get a clicking sound that would speed up/ slow down with engine speed, but I just assumed was the exhaust. I investigated it and it sounded like it was coming from the tranny. I talked to one of my auto professors and he said it sounds like it would be the flexplate. I looked on ford tech service website and there was a technical service bulletin for vehicles with the 4.0 auto.

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1996 Ford Ranger STX 4x4 4.0L
1983 Honda Shadow VT750C

I think I am having the same problem. Does it affect the way your transmission shifts? I am hearing the same ticking sound that seems to come from the tranny, and sometimes my transmission shifts hard.

So far in two years, I've had to replace the flex plate three times. No cure in sight, if someone knows anything about this, please respond here or email me @ jamesco333@yahoo.com ,,,,,, Thanks in advance.
Jim

Yep, same problem, diagnosed by local ford repair shop. they said the only way to fix it is to remove the entire tranny and replace! $$