Motor Mounts Won't Line Up!

[paulrowe]

Hey guys! I am working on getting the new engine back into the truck and I am having the worst time getting the motor mounts to line up. They are the energy suspension polyurethane ones inside the original clam shells. When I measure the distance between the block mounts it's 17.25" and the frame mounts are 16.5" . The last engine was in there fine before, mind you with the factory rubber mount. The only thing I can figure is the brace plates under the mount on the block that go to the bell house are the problem but those were in before also. It's been like 5hrs trying to get this thing in and I had to give up. Everything is the same as before including the block mounts and clams shells. So I'm assuming it's the energy suspension polyurethane that's the issue. Has anybody ever run into this issue before?

 

[bucket]

I've heard about the issue before, but never have had to deal with it myself. The fix usually involves a big pry bar and some cussing for good measure.

 

[Craig Nedrow]

swapped in a 454 bought energy suspension but had to use the original clam shell ones as the ES were not compatible with the frame mount

 

[Big Chip]

I’ve seen a lot of complaints about those mounts. It has something to do with the metal tabs not being in the correct position and not allowing the mount to sit in the clamshell properly if I remember correctly.

 

[Vbb199]

Never dealt with the clams from energy suspension, but in my experience, the leaf spring bushings and body bushings are TOTAL ****.

You end up with different bolts sizes, **** that just don't work, having to change your truck to make them work.... Just in general, seems to be a bigger pain that wing **** Dorman parts.

 

[eskimomann209]

I’m with @bucket i was blown away how hard it was dropping an engine in my 73. Big bars and a lot of cussing. I played hell getting mine In. I wanna say I ended up loosening everything and still had a hard time getting the two big bolts to slip in. But I definitely used every large bar in my arsenal, as well as lifting and lowering it with the hoist.

*Edit*
I also had a tranny hanging off the back of mine. I didn’t pull my core support either. Next time , there will be no fenders or core. life lesson learned.

 

[paulrowe]

Thanks for the replies everyone! Well I bought new rubber mounts and it's the same problem. I loosened off everything and all I'm doing is prying and destroying the mounts. I'm thinking to install the brackets that go to the frame and try to lower the motor in with them attached to the mounts. I'm thinking to lower it in a bit sideways and turn it when it's in position. Does anybody know how GM would have done it on the assembly line? I can't see the line guys fighting like this to install a motor.

 

[highdesertrange]

yes bolt the mounts to the frame first but leave them as loose as possible. then good luck. highdesertranger

 

[bucket]

I’ve seen a lot of complaints about those mounts. It has something to do with the metal tabs not being in the correct position and not allowing the mount to sit in the clamshell properly if I remember correctly.

There's metal tabs that stick out of the mounts. The larger ones need to be on the high side.

 

[paulrowe]

Well I finally got it installed in the truck! I even ordered a set of factory style mounts and it was the same problem so I just used the energy suspension ones. I had to completely unbolt the brackets that bolt to the frame to get the mounts in side the steel guides and then bolt each side up separately. It took a whole and a lot of prying and alignment with tapered chisels. I was wondering why those brackets were missing some bolts! Looks like the last owner went through the same thing and forgot some. Anyway thanks for everyone's advise on this.

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[shiftpro]

Instead of chain fall or hydro hoist to R&R the engine, use a HD ratchet strap! Keep all fingers out of the way when 'lowering' the engine.