1989-1993 Dodge 5.9L Cummins Flex Plates

Flex plate on the 1989-1993 RAM 5.9L Cummins

On an automatic first gen, the flex plate is the thin plate that ties the Cummins crankshaft to the torque converter. That covers the A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed used from 1989 to mid-1991 and the A518/46RH 4-speed overdrive from mid-1991 through 1993. Trucks with the Getrag G360 5-speed manual use a flywheel and clutch instead, so this page isn't for them; G360 clutch kits are sold with flywheels.

When the bolts come out

Flex plate hardware isn't part of a normal service. You get to it when the transmission comes out, and on these trucks that happens. The A518/46RH wears converters and clutch packs behind the Cummins, especially with towing and miles, and a converter upgrade is a common fix; aftermarket non-lockup converters for these trucks are built for a street and towing stall with less heat. Owners also replace tired automatics outright, and built first gens have gone to the 47RH or 48RE. Every one of those jobs puts the flex plate in front of you, and new hardware adds no extra labor while it's apart.

What we carry

The XDP XD654 Flex Plate Bolt Kit. XDP lists it for 1989-2018 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins trucks, so the same kit covers the first gen and the later Cummins Rams. If the converter is coming out anyway, the transmission parts section for this truck has converters and valve bodies.

Fitment notes

Confirm you have an automatic, and which one. A 1991 truck can have either the A727 or the A518 because the change came mid-year, and parts sellers list 727, A518 and 46RH together for all of 1989-1993. If a previous owner swapped in a 47RH, 48RE or another transmission, tell us what's in the truck before you order. Verify by VIN, and use the fitment checker on the product page.

Frequently asked questions

Does my G360 manual truck need a flex plate bolt kit?

No. Manual trucks use a flywheel and clutch, not a flex plate. G360 clutch kits from South Bend and Valair come with flywheels, and the South Bend Getrag clutch is specified for the stock input shaft.

Should I replace the flex plate bolts when I install a new torque converter?

That's the best time. The transmission has to come out to change the converter, which puts the flex plate in reach. First-gen automatics see converter work often; the documented 620,000-mile 1993 D250 needed a converter after going through two remanufactured A518s.

Is this kit only for first-gen trucks?

No. XDP lists the XD654 for 1989-2018 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins trucks, so it spans the first gen and later Cummins Rams. Still verify your truck by VIN on the product page.

Not sure what fits? Call the shop at the number in the header, or use the fitment checker on any product page. We install everything we sell.