Transmission - noise - bad bearing?

[jpwhit]

You need to remove the transmission. The engine can stay in place, but you have to support the back of the engine since the transmission and mounts normally support it. Then after you put it back together, you'll need to do a shaft alignment.

[Jonny Quest]

You can pull the transmission without removing the engine. With the transmission out, you can perform other driveline maintenance in addition to a new damper plate.