Correct flexplate to torque converter spacing

[M1009Chris]

So I've searched the TMs and a couple of forums but can't find much about the spacing between the torque converter and flexplate on a M1009. I did find some general information recommending 1/8 to 3/16. One of the TMs also mentioned to note the location of spacers during removal. With the torque converter fully seated in the pump I have 0.276" between the flex plate and the torque converter and there were no spacers when I removed the flexplate. Is this standard for our trucks or should a get some spacers to fill the gap? I've attached a photo of the gap. Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[nyoffroad]

In all these years and all the tranny's, I've removed, I have never come across any spacers that I remember. If I ever did I'd think some shade tree mechanic did a hack job.

 

[M1009Chris]

Yeah, I figured that it didn't need them. I shouldn't be surprised that these trucks weren't built with tight tolerances. I was just concerned because on one of my other cars, if the torque converter isn't spaced exactly 1/8" to 3/16" off the flexplate you can damage the pump pretty quickly.

 

[m38inmaine]

I just went through this with my HMMWV that I just purchased from govplanet with an imploded torque converter. I noticed the flex plate was right up against the starter drive, the run out on the flex plate was actually showing it hitting the gear for about half the teeth. I purchased a new flex plate from HPG and that one was even worse, it actually was touching the starter gear, I found a NOS GM surplus one on ebay and that one has a perfect offset, it was between 1/8 and 3/16 from the converter and a long way from the starter gear. I believe the incorrect offset on the flex plate was responsible for the failed converter and the transmission had damage on the pump from the converter being too far out. The CUCV and HMMWV share the same parts, I'm convinced some of these contracted parts are out of spec.

 

[Valor]

So I've searched the TMs and a couple of forums but can't find much about the spacing between the torque converter and flexplate on a M1009. I did find some general information recommending 1/8 to 3/16. One of the TMs also mentioned to note the location of spacers during removal. With the torque converter fully seated in the pump I have 0.276" between the flex plate and the torque converter and there were no spacers when I removed the flexplate. Is this standard for our trucks or should a get some spacers to fill the gap? I've attached a photo of the gap. Thank you in advance for any help.

These are the instructions I got when I had my 700R4 rebuilt. See item #3.

 

[M1009Chris]

Thank you for the help. I'm going to install the spacers for now and try to track down a NOS flexplate. I checked the tolerance on the starter to the new flexplate and it lines up perfectly. The old flexplate is stamped "GM" so I think it is factory original. The starter didn't engage fully on the original flex plate which you can see in the wear pattern in the photo I attached. Maybe the new flex plate with spacers will be better for the starter and torque converter. Time will tell. Thanks again.