Transmission mount problems

[LX Dave]

So I've been getting the car back together and have encountered a problem with the transmission mount I got. Purchased an Anchor #2530 mount. Never thought about comparing it with the old one (big mistake). Installed it and couldn't get the h-pipe back on the hanger. That's when I pulled the mount and noticed how tall it was. Worked around the exhaust hanger and got it installed. Now, when I put the center console in, I can't get the shifter bezel to snap into place. The shifter is raised up enough now that it won't fit.

Took both mounts to work and checked them on the height gauge. The old mount is 2.404" tall. The new one is 2.776" tall. I've looked all over and can't find the correct shorter mount, and the old one is junk.

Now what do I do? Can't get the bezel on and am worried the driveshaft angles are screwed up.

'87 5.0, 5-speed.

 

[General karthief]

I checked and that is a part number that should fit, take it back and compare it to another brand, possibly boxed wrong.

 

[LX Dave]

Found another parts store with one in stock, different brand. Gonna go in the morning and check it out.

 

[LX Dave]

Well, checked out the other brand, and it's actually a little bit taller. So, just to humor myself, I went back to the store I got the original one from and checked another one. Not any better.

I have a feeling I'm going to have to do some cutting and welding to get the height I need. OR....Dallas Mustang lists an original one for $74.99. I asked them to check the installed height, so we'll see what they say.

 

[Dan02gt]

I went through the same thing when I replaced my motor mounts and trans mount. The lower convertible mounts coupled with the higher trans mount threw my geometry all over the place and just like you made the shifter hit the bezel. I ended up using the OEM trans mount from LMR, but it was the same height as the auto parts store mounts so that did no good. My fix was installing the Stifflers Trans mount leaving out the .25" shim they want you to use for the stock setup.

My stock mount was so trashed I didn't get any measurement off of it BTW.

 

[deathb4dismount]

I have a brand new OEM mount. I'll measure it for you when I get home. I have no need for it.

 

[95BlueStallion]

I bought the mount from Energy Suspension, and it fit perfectly. Cant speak to its height since I didnt measure, but everything went together well in my '89 GT.

http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/4.1104_v8

 

[LX Dave]

I have a brand new OEM mount. I'll measure it for you when I get home. I have no need for it.

That'd be great.



I had e-mailed Energy Suspension back in mid April and they said their mount is 2.625", and that they had no other mounts for that transmission. I was really hoping that one was what I needed. Guess when I get up, I'll pull the mount and do some pondering.

 

[95BlueStallion]

Hmm, I feel like something is up with your trans crossmember.

 

[LX Dave]

I was thinking that too at one point, but don't really know how to check it. It looks to be a Ford piece, not aftermarket.

 

[Mstng93SSP]

Is it possible for you to post a picture of everything like the crossmember, mount, etc? Something is not right? You said you had a problem with the exhaust hanger. What was the issue with that?

 

[LX Dave]

With the exhaust hanger, I couldn't get the h pipe on it with the taller mount. The pipes were hitting the crossmember. I can try to post a picture in the morning. Gotta get into work right now.

 

[deathb4dismount]

That'd be great.



I had e-mailed Energy Suspension back in mid April and they said their mount is 2.625", and that they had no other mounts for that transmission. I was really hoping that one was what I needed. Guess when I get up, I'll pull the mount and do some pondering.

 

[General karthief]

Pic of crossmember

 

[LX Dave]

deathb4dismount-

Appreciate you checking on the one you have. Yup, same thing as I got.

 

[LX Dave]

Pics as promised

I had already cut the mount down and had it welded back up to the height of the old mount, so these pics show the short mount, which is just sitting in place. After I dropped the mount in, the shifter bezel snapped right into place. Also, there's good clearance around the transmission, pipes, etc.

Something I probably should've added before, this transmission is a 1984 according to the tag, but the tail housing should be the same through the years, no?

I also heard that 79-85 had one mount, 86 had it's own and 87-93 had another. This came from an old parts book at the parts store. That got me thinking that the aftermarket companies figured the one they make now is good enough for them all. Don't really know for sure.

I have no idea what's going on with this car. It's been a fight the whole way through fixing things that were wrong, basically making the car as a whole correct again. This should be the last problem I have to deal with (fingers crossed).

If you're curious, here's what I've been working on...

Fresh paint, new engine with GT-40 heads and Explorer intake. Hard to believe looking at it now it's been totaled THREE times. Once, it got run over by a semi trailer. So, so close to being able to drive it again.

Edited to add: If anyone has a shorter mount for sale, or if I find one, I'm grabbing it for a spare.