replacing motor mounts

[1990LTD]

I know now that replacing the trans mount is fairly easy, but how about the motor mounts?


How is it done? I know it's just a matter of taking the weight off the mounts and unbuttoning them but how do you properly do this?


Doesn't seem to me the oil pan wouldn't hold any weight if you tried to support it from underneath; do you string it up to a hoist or frame as if you're pulling the motor?

[88squire]

As far as I know you just need an engine hoist or a strong tree/A-frame and a come-along. Hook it up to the lift point and lift it just enough to support it and remove bolts, maybe lift a little more and remove mounts.

I need to do this as well, in order to replace freeze plugs. seems fairly straight forward.

[gadget73]

its theoretically straightforward, but its kind of a bastard to do. supporting the engine and removing the engine side brackets is easy. a 2x4 on the jack under the front of the oil pan is all you need, then just undo the 4 bolts holding the brackets to the motor, and the single bolt holding the bracket to the mount. The fun part is removing the 3 bolts that hold the mount to the frame. They are accessed through the openings for the lower control arm bushings, and its not a straight shot. Its possible with flex sockets and such, but it really sucks. If you have plans to replace the lower control arm bushings, do the mounts while the arm is out. It takes like 15 minutes with the arm out, and easily 3x that with the arm in.

[86VickyLX]

Long ass extension and a swivel 13mm socket will get the job done. Lift the engine from the mounts by what Thain said. Have fun... Been there done that, it sucks.

[BerniniCaCO3]

What they said
I had a friend help me, The worst bolt at the most awkward angle under the control arm, I just held in place while my friend swapped out the mounts, so I wouldn't have to find the hole again.

If you have any sort of access to a shop, everything's always easier with a lift!
But honestly, mine from 1990 weren't that bad. So maybe consider if you really need 'em.

[1990LTD]

I don't really need them, but they're certainly not brand new. I don't think they're OEM because by now the motor should be rocking all over the place and it is not.


Transmission mount definitely needs to go, though. I have a feeling that the bad trans mount is not doing any favors for the motor mounts.

[BerniniCaCO3]

mine were 20-yr-old OEM, and, they really weren't bad at all. I just sort of assumed they WOULD be, and added new mounts to my overhaul project list, but after doing them and examining the old ones, the old rubber was neither cracked nor jell-o: they were fine.

[BerniniCaCO3]

trans mount is quite easy (as you've maybe examined and seen for yourself), so no reason not to

[86VickyLX]

I don't really need them, but they're certainly not brand new. I don't think they're OEM because by now the motor should be rocking all over the place and it is not.


Transmission mount definitely needs to go, though. I have a feeling that the bad trans mount is not doing any favors for the motor mounts.

Well mine were original and they were ok. I did not however a higher sitting engine after the swap. Why? I think the mounts were smooshed a little. I did not feel any hopping of engines. Or any evidence of such.

[gadget73]

the way the mount is designed, about all that really happens is the motor sinks down towards the frame. They can't break loose and try to go through the hood like a Chrysler or something. Its a damn good thing too, because if they broke as often as those craptastic Chrysler smallblock mounts did, all of us would be driving around with chains holding the motor down.

[79lincolnlover]

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[1990LTD]

Well mine were original and they were ok. I did not however a higher sitting engine after the swap. Why? I think the mounts were smooshed a little. I did not feel any hopping of engines. Or any evidence of such.

If I have the hood open when I crank the engine, you can see the motor shake a little bit, but that's kind of what they do.

[1990LTD]

If I have the hood open when I crank the engine, you can see the motor shake a little bit, but that's kind of what they do.

& there is no contact between the fan and the shroud...doesn't look like it's leaning either, i just assumed the motor mounts would be as easy to do as the transmission mount

[FatNasty]

If you don't need them don't bother, one of the more frustrating parts I've ever swapped on a car and that was with the engine out. If you have the control arms out at some point do it then, piece of cake at that point.

[86VickyLX]

My engine jumps a bit with brandy new mounts. It also torques a nice deal when shifted into reverse or drive. All drivetrain mounts (besides rear control arm bushings) are new.