98 XJ - Flexplate noise?

I got a loud tapping noise coming from bottom of engine. I have tried to pinpoint noise but its very hard to tell exactly where its coming from. It is near back of engine and could be from around the bell housing, but the noise transmits all around the bottom of the engine. I did check flexplate bolts and they were all tight and I didn't see any visible cracks.
This noise originally would go away after the engine warmed up but now it is continuous. The noise does change when the tranny shifts like it matches the engine RPM's.
Is there some other tips to find out if the noise is engine internal? (rod, wristpin, bearing noise)
Should I pry on the flexplate to see if it moves? How tough is it to remove tranny to check out the other bolts?

Thanks
Mike

I confirmed mine by removing the cover and listening while on a lift.
It was night and day louder from the plate then.