Real time help request - lifting 80 Series engine for motor mount replacement

[Bambusiero]

Yeah, I did mine back in October.

Used the "jack&2x4 method" but made a little more carefully made support block out of layers of plywood, to make sure the weight was evenly spread over much of the flat bottom of the cast aluminum oil pan. I also struggled with the suspension unloading, which was a pain. Would try strapping the axle next time. Also, it seemed like the amount of lift just stopped at some point - like pipes in back of the engine were being smashed & lifting the entire body? then there was barely enough room to get the mounts out and back in - fingers in between rock & hard place - felt scared of being smashed by a shift (Seemed like a body lifted truck would go easier?). NOT my idea of a fun job.

Really tried to get to those "little brackets between engine & mount" as @thegadgetguy mentions, but just could not get wench access to at least one bolt each side, so that was a fail.

The idea of lifting the engine by the harmonic balancer just seemed to me - too risky of serious engine damage.

 

[ihoop33]

My mounts are most definitely bad, and I’m reading this getting a bit anxious about the job. I’ve done all my own work on my 80 so far, but have not come anywhere close to something this intense. I’m balling on a super budget so can’t have a shop do it. I have a two inch lift on mine, so does that rule out the jack/2x4 method?

Also, not to be that guy, but the variety of steps suggested are a bit confusing. Does anybody have insight on a comprehensive list of steps/guide, or knowledge of one somewhere else on the forums? Thanks all.

 

[baldilocks]

My mounts are most definitely bad, and I’m reading this getting a bit anxious about the job. I’ve done all my own work on my 80 so far, but have not come anywhere close to something this intense. I’m balling on a super budget so can’t have a shop do it. I have a two inch lift on mine, so does that rule out the jack/2x4 method?

Also, not to be that guy, but the variety of steps suggested are a bit confusing. Does anybody have insight on a comprehensive list of steps/guide, or knowledge of one somewhere else on the forums? Thanks all.

Post #8 was mine and I’m willing to walk you through this by direct messages, text, phone call, etc. This is a very simple job. Take your time and plan out your next move by envisioning what effects that move might cause.

 

[alia176]

My mounts are most definitely bad, and I’m reading this getting a bit anxious about the job. I’ve done all my own work on my 80 so far, but have not come anywhere close to something this intense. I’m balling on a super budget so can’t have a shop do it. I have a two inch lift on mine, so does that rule out the jack/2x4 method?

Also, not to be that guy, but the variety of steps suggested are a bit confusing. Does anybody have insight on a comprehensive list of steps/guide, or knowledge of one somewhere else on the forums? Thanks all.

Post #8 is perfect, and I'll add the following tip: when you jack up the engine, the radiator fan will slowly move upwards and *may* come into contact with the fan shroud. If you feel this to be the case, loosen the shroud from the radiator so that it too can move upwards with the fan.

Good luck.

Edit: "while you're down there", you might also want to replace the third mount which is the transmission mount. It too is in dire need of replacing due to age.