Looking at flexplate on 99...
Noob questions...did some research but it is now showtime. Flexplate is pretty rusty. Presumably ok unless You all advise otherwise. Anyway, I can see one of the bolts, but not sure how many there are. Hard to see in pic, but there is another EMPTY hole about 1.5 or 2 in behind the bolt.
Questions: how many bolts on flexplate; should there be a bolt in the empty hole there; and (sorry-prob ignorant) but how do I turn the crankshaft to turn the wheel and check out the other bolts.
Also, inside of inspection cover has rusty rubs on it suggesting flexplate rubbing on it. Is this normal or a concern? Thanks for any and all input

 

Sorry I'll try pic again...

 

There's only four bolts.

You can turn the flexplate by turning the crankshaft vibration damper bolt (clockwise). The bolt head takes a 3/4" socket. And you'll need a breaker bar or hefty ratchet to turn the crank.

Edit: Don't know about the rub marks on the inspection cover. You'll have to check each bolt for security, and the flexplate for cracks. There have been cases where a bolt has backed out enough to rub.

If you find a loose bolt get back.

 

Cruiser got this from a poster and put it in the wright-up section.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ch...xplate-172081/

I believe the thread still ends with me asking if that cured the knock!

 

That's one on cracked flexplate diagnosis.

Here's one on flexplate bolt tightening.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/ho...ocking-125547/

 

Do Not use Red thread locker on those bolts, use only Blue.

If you use Red it will be very difficult to remove them at a future date.

 

Ok, all done. 4 bolts indeed All bolts flush to the flexplate and, although the plate turned with force while I was checking the bolts, none of them suggested they were willing to move in any direction (ie not loose). I did not see any cracks or breaches on the plate, but I did not attempt the procedure in the Cruiser link- thank you Flinstone for linking it - it was a nice, understandable procedure but removing the bolts for a more thorough check was a little too daunting for right now (take whatever time that SHOULD take and x 13 for me haha).
I still have a rattle that would be consistent with air rattling thru the cover. I tightened it down well but prob did a less than stellar job of bending the one corner back down (by bolt that has to stay in bc of exhuast pipe). I also still have a rubbing noise that seems to change to a ticking somewhere at mid point on drivers side. I tried to record it and will prob new thread it after today's family chores.
THANK YOU AGAIN ALL-ridiculous amts of appreciation your way.