Advance auto shows the flex plate at $8.99 not in stock but they can order it. You'll usually get it the next day.

 

Jegs has them but you may be able to find them cheaper if you research online. I doubt you will find it cracked but we will see. $8.99 sounds awfully cheap to me, more like a set of flex plate bolts at that price. I would expect $60.00-$80.00. Yes you need to drop the trans or pull the engine if it needs replacement. Generally flywheels are for standards and flex plate and drive plate is for autos.

 

rockauto has a flexplate listed for $8.67.

 

ok well i just got back from crawling around under betsy and cant find any panels that i could take off to check and if it is the flexplate why does it only happen at start and park ?

 

the plate that you would have to remove would require you to also remove the starter to inspect the flexplate.

 

From what I know generally a flex pate will make noise if it is cracked either when in gear or in neutral/park but not both depending on where the crack is located. This is due to the crack opening up and the loose ends vibrating when it is either under load or not under load.

 

so ok now that were pretty sure its the flex plate and it only makes the noise in park should i risk driving it 35 miles to my friends shop or try and tow it down there because were going to do the work there but i need to get it there first lol and any advice on dropping the transmission would help like what to look out for where problems lie so on and so forth what to disconect and whats gonna leak thanks all ruined my plans for a small trip thats for sure hopefully i'll have her back up and running by next week. btw is there anything else i might want to do as long as the transmission is down?

 

ok well just had our shop mechanic listen to it and he thinks its the starter having trouble disengaging could that be it also? and if so will the starter fit between the frame and the exhaust pipe?

 

i was able to take the starter off my 81 with the exhaust in place but it was difficult with the exhaust where it is.

 

My starter goes in and out with the exhaust in place on my 89.