[evil_goat]

I have a 1991 Jeep Cherokee, and it makes a ticking noise that seems to get louder when the car is warmer. At over 1000 rpm, the noise gets slightly faster and goes away. I looked at the flexplate, and it is wobbling. The outer part moves about .5-1cm. I tried tightening the bolts with a 6-inch wrench, but the bolts wouldn't move in either direction, and the whole plate just started to turn. Are they tight enough? Do I need to replace it? If so, how?

If I don't fix it, what will happen?

 

[4.3L XJ]

I suggest that you have a cracked flex plate. Worst that can happen is it leaves you stranded somewhere. Better pull that tranny and fix it

 

[evil_goat]

I suggest that you have a cracked flex plate. Worst that can happen is it leaves you stranded somewhere. Better pull that tranny and fix it

How would I pull the transmission?

 

[4.3L XJ]

Sounds like you have not done this before. Requires some good car stands, Jack and basic tools. An inexpensive Jeep manual from Chilton or Haynes will give you the procedure