Motor mount swap

chico166 · 08-10-2009, 09:31 AM

I'm trying to save a little cash here by thinking about swaping out the poly motor mounts for the rubber ones that I just ordered from browndog and doing it myself. I am a novice to things like this with limited tools, so my question is should I pay someone $50 to put them in or is this something I can do if I take my time? It's not a daily driver and the sense of accomplishment would be great if I could do it myself, I just don't know what all tools I would need and if I would be in over my head. Thanks.

idaholtby · 08-10-2009, 09:35 AM

Do it yourself, pretty easy job. Just support the engine with a block off wood under the oil pan with a jack and do one side at a time. I see you have the 2.5L, so I hope you got the cradle for the passenger side mount from Brown Dog as well. Be sure to use loctite on the threads!

**Mean Max** · 08-10-2009, 09:55 AM

I agree with idaholtby, do it yourself. I haven't done mounts in a 4 cylinder, but I've done many 6 cylinder mounts.

I usually start with the passenger side, and I do one side at a time, and I start by just loosening the large "main bolt" that runs through the motor mount and then leaving it in place, then I remove the bolt & nut that attach the motor mount to the frame, next I use a jack & block of wood on the oil pan and just take the weight off of the mount. Lastly I remove all the bolts that attach the engine mount bracket to the engine block & pull the bracket & mount out as 1 piece & swap the mount on the bench.

When I reinstall the first new mount, the only bolts I tighten are the bolts that secure the bracket to the engine. The remaining bolts are left loose after getting the threads started. This allows the engine to flex around a bit more while doing the second mount.

Make sure to DOUBLE-CHECK all bolts to make sure they're tight when done!

Max

**RockWoRM** · 08-10-2009, 10:13 AM

I did my own, also. It was'nt 'hard', but it was no 'cake walk' either. Had to have a buddy help line up the bolts, which was a pita, and do a little 'trimming' since it was a MORE 1" over. I'd do it again, of course, but if you're not that good with tools or don't have any, then IMHO $50 is'nt unreasonable.

WRM

chico166 · 08-10-2009, 01:42 PM

I'm hoping that since the brackets were just put in 2 1/2 years ago that it shouldn't be that bad to get the bolts out and loose. As far as the passenger side cradle goes, I can't recall if I got that part back then or not. Its was in the shop getting a clutch and slave cylinder when they found the motor mounts rotted so I ordered from BDI and let the garage put those in.

**Tom95YJ** · 08-10-2009, 01:46 PM

I installed my Brown Dog 1in MML on my YJ last week it took about 45mins with a beer break or Two.

Soon as I get back from my honeymoon I'll finish up my belly up

chico166 · 08-11-2009, 11:01 AM

Thanks for the replies. I will let you know how it turns out.

**Brown Dog** · 08-11-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chico166

I'm trying to save a little cash here by thinking about swaping out the poly motor mounts for the rubber ones that I just ordered from browndog and doing it myself. I am a novice to things like this with limited tools, so my question is should I pay someone $50 to put them in or is this something I can do if I take my time? It's not a daily driver and the sense of accomplishment would be great if I could do it myself, I just don't know what all tools I would need and if I would be in over my head. Thanks.

If it were me, I would do it myself. You can call the guy at Brown Dog (me) anytime if you get stuck or need advice.

chico166 · 08-12-2009, 08:54 AM

Hey thanks! I was going to post something up about you guys after I got the mounts in but now seems like a good time. I was extremely impressed with ya'lls service! I ordered on-line but I got a phone call shortly thereafter to ask me a few questions and to make sure that what I had ordered and was receiving the correct product for the job. I ended up talking to a guy there in your shop (can't remember the name, Tim maybe) and he gave me some help tips and info on installing these and he offered to help if I got stuck that I could call and he would walk me through it. I have never dealt with a more helpful company or people. I would recommend you to anyone

machinehead131 · 08-12-2009, 09:14 AM

i ordered the brown dog mounts too. They look good, putting them in today or tomorrow!

chico166 · 08-16-2009, 11:34 AM

I'm a little stuck here putting these in. I started with the passenger side and took the nut off the bolt that passes thru nthe center of the mount, but it doesn't look like it will come out because the alternator is in the way. I have read nothing that mentions removal of the alternator so am I missing something? So far thats the only bolt I have removed.

**Brown Dog** · 08-16-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chico166

I'm a little stuck here putting these in. I started with the passenger side and took the nut off the bolt that passes thru nthe center of the mount, but it doesn't look like it will come out because the alternator is in the way. I have read nothing that mentions removal of the alternator so am I missing something? So far thats the only bolt I have removed.

We have spoken on the phone and solved the problem. But for those of you out there encountering the same problem: The engine bracket to which the motor mount bolts, is held onto the block with either 3 or 4 bolts and/or nuts (3 for a six cylinder, 4 for a four cylinder). Remove all fasteners from the bracket and mount, then take the assembly out as a unit. It is MUCH easier that way. If the length of the through bolt allows, install it in the opposite direction on re-assembly. This will make the process much easier if you need to do other work in the future.

**Mean Max** · 08-16-2009, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chico166

I'm a little stuck here putting these in. I started with the passenger side and took the nut off the bolt that passes thru nthe center of the mount, but it doesn't look like it will come out because the alternator is in the way. I have read nothing that mentions removal of the alternator so am I missing something? So far thats the only bolt I have removed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brown Dog

We have spoken on the phone and solved the problem. But for those of you out there encountering the same problem: The engine bracket to which the motor mount bolts, is held onto the block with either 3 or 4 bolts and/or nuts (3 for a six cylinder, 4 for a four cylinder). Remove all fasteners from the bracket and mount, then take the assembly out as a unit. It is MUCH easier that way. If the length of the through bolt allows, install it in the opposite direction on re-assembly. This will make the process much easier if you need to do other work in the future.

No kidding?

Maybe that's why I posted
"Lastly I remove all the bolts that attach the engine mount bracket to the engine block & pull the bracket & mount out as 1 piece & swap the mount on the bench."
in my advice to the OP in post #3 of this thread.

The help is available here, you just need to use it.

Kudos to Brown Dog for his tech help to the OP on the phone, that's why I always advocate his products, IMO he's "one of us" type of Jeepers.

Max

chico166 · 08-17-2009, 09:39 AM

Thanks to Brown Dog and Mean Max, I did get the mounts in. Sorry I missed what you were saying about pulling the engine mount bracket from the block Max. Again I haven't had that much experience working on it but when I talked to BD on the phone he said what you mentioned in your reply to my thread and so then it made sense to me what you were saying in your reply. My apologies if it seemed as though I ignored your help Max, but I really appreciate everyone's willingness to help out a novice

P.S. It was great of BD to call me back on a Sunday with advice!