wade
Well-Known Member
Mid to Late 80's Vert Mounts, swapped side-for-side.
Bolt them up to the engine while its hanging on the hoist (or engine stand).
Mount the tranny to the engine.
Install the engine/trans into the truck.
Locate, and loosely mount the trans tailshaft, first.
Then, gently (you don't want to screw up the studs) set the engine mount studs onto the crossmember, positioning the engine where you want it. The back of the L-side Head about 1/4" away from the Firewall and level side-to-side.
Mark the location of the studs on the crossmember.
Remove the engine/trans from the truck.
Drill the marked locations (1/2" oughta' work fine), then slot the holes straight down for about 1"-
1-1/2".
Install the engine and trans.
Bear in mind: Engine placement will affect,
1) header selection and installation,
2) Front Engine Accessory Drive components.
Consider these in your planning. Plan ahead. Remember the old carpenter's saying, "Measure twice, cut once".
If you mount the engine "low", hood clearance isn't even an issue. Mounted low in the cradle and with a 2" body lift, you'd have all kinds of clearance in the tunnel.
If you mount the engine "higher", headers may be easier to install. If you're using shorty headers, depending upon the manufacturer, it might get tight up toward the cab, requiring impact modifications to the floor.
I believe (opinion is the operative word here) that 4.0L engine mounts and adapter plates provide greater flexibility in engine placement. But, be prepared (without complaining too much) to make them more than once. I also believe that Vert mounts provide for a simpler install. Less flexibility, but simpler.
You'll have to find/make compromises to suite yourself.
Bolt them up to the engine while its hanging on the hoist (or engine stand).
Mount the tranny to the engine.
Install the engine/trans into the truck.
Locate, and loosely mount the trans tailshaft, first.
Then, gently (you don't want to screw up the studs) set the engine mount studs onto the crossmember, positioning the engine where you want it. The back of the L-side Head about 1/4" away from the Firewall and level side-to-side.
Mark the location of the studs on the crossmember.
Remove the engine/trans from the truck.
Drill the marked locations (1/2" oughta' work fine), then slot the holes straight down for about 1"-
1-1/2".
Install the engine and trans.
Bear in mind: Engine placement will affect,
1) header selection and installation,
2) Front Engine Accessory Drive components.
Consider these in your planning. Plan ahead. Remember the old carpenter's saying, "Measure twice, cut once".
If you mount the engine "low", hood clearance isn't even an issue. Mounted low in the cradle and with a 2" body lift, you'd have all kinds of clearance in the tunnel.
If you mount the engine "higher", headers may be easier to install. If you're using shorty headers, depending upon the manufacturer, it might get tight up toward the cab, requiring impact modifications to the floor.
I believe (opinion is the operative word here) that 4.0L engine mounts and adapter plates provide greater flexibility in engine placement. But, be prepared (without complaining too much) to make them more than once. I also believe that Vert mounts provide for a simpler install. Less flexibility, but simpler.
You'll have to find/make compromises to suite yourself.
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