Today I installed a set of new motor mounts on my 79 TransAm. This last week I had to remove the engine in order to replace a rear main seal. After the motor was removed I noticed the rubber inserts were quite loose. Additionally they appeared to be quite worn. I am not sure why they would be like this but I believe they were cheap lower quality mounts. Either way I had a spare set so I figured it would it would be a good time to install a new set.
I really kinda dreaded doing this job because it just felt like it would be a pain in the neck. I did not want to remove any of the suspension because previously when I installed motor mounts it was before any of the suspension was installed.
The driver side motor mount is the side that is the toughest, whereas the passenger side has a an access hole that make that side much easier.
After pondering what the best way to do it , I had an idea to use a 9/16” distributor wrench. Turns out this was a great tool for the job. I also had a 9/16” torque wrench adapter ( aka dog bone ). Turns out the distributor wrench did the job just fine.
This job is a little easier with an extra hand but I managed to do it by myself. All in all, with taking pictures I had both mounts installed in about an hour. I was planning on a much longer time frame.
One thing that is good about using the distributor wrench it has the right bends that fits up through the opening by the A Arms. I did use a regular 3/8” drive extension with the distributor wrench and it held the nut in the right place starting the thread on the bolt.
Once I had the bolts snugged down I torqued them to the manual specifications.
The passenger side was pretty easy to do, I used a new tool I bought called a Handee Clamp. It worked pretty good , but I found that an offset wrench worked best for installing to two upper bolts.
I did my best to show some pics of how I did the job. To be honest, this turned out to be a pretty easy job. Good thing is that the tools are pretty common at local auto parts store or Harbor Freight. Like I said before I really thought I was going to be more frustrated with busted knuckles and a sore neck, however it went much easier than anticipated. Hope this helps!
