help with motor mounts

[zenchal26]

So I got my lowering springs on today and the tube crossmember motor mount that was in the truck is going to be way to close to the axle for my comfort. What other options are there for mounts (sb350)? I found these mounts are they any good? do I need to put in some kind of crossmember in to stiffen things up? Truck has stock frame no ifs no clip.

[OrrieG]

I would add a couple of gussets to those, one on each side. They will either bent or deform the frame over time. Gusset will transfer the load along the full vertical side. If they are made to sit tight to the top rail of the frame I would add a weld there too. Make sure they do not interfere with the exhaust manifold/headers or steering. These trucks had motor mounts at the front from the factory, so there was no conflict with those of the axle.

[_Ogre]

i usually just make my own.
buy a 68 truck motor mount (part store needs a number) and start fabbing.
i made these way back when for my 58 to bolt in a sbc,
they're notched on one side to clear the stock steering box.

these were actually fabbed up and installed in a finished truck with the motor in the truck
you're welcome to them if you think they will work for you.



this is what i upgraded to when the mustII x-member was so convenient under my motor mounts.
still using the 68 truck mounts

[zenchal26]

So if those mounts in my first pick were beefed up there would be no need for a x-member connecting frame rails?

[parkwood]

I make my own too, easy with some 1/8" plate and some cardboard.
But if you've bought these already they should work fine. you may not need any extra brace.. not sure how those bolt up.. I'ld weld them in if you can..

[tmoble]

those type mounts act as a lever arm with 3-400 lbs out on the end. think about the dynamic loading when you hit a hard dip or big chuckhole.

I had those in my 57, cracked the frame on both sides. It's what prompted me to put a Camaro stub under it.

does you crossmember look like this one?

http://www.grumpystruckparts.com/item329372.ctlg

I'm familiar with a couple trucks with that crossmember, no issues with the front axle.

if you look at that mount in the first post, notice how narrow it is. All the load is concentrated in that little spot. The ones I had that cracked my frame were twice as wide as those. Bolted inside the frame with 4 bolts.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by parkwood

I make my own too, easy with some 1/8" plate and some cardboard.

i'd think the cardboard would get wet and lose some of it's strength

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by zenchal26

So if those mounts in my first pick were beefed up there would be no need for a x-member connecting frame rails?

those look so light weight that it looks like they would fail.
there is no triangulation to transfer load.
the whole load is dependent on a couple bolts in the frame.
i see so many ways those could fail that i'd pass on them.

if you insist on bolt in, then fab something like mine or parkwood (no cardboard ) with flanges to bolt them in.
if you can't weld; mock up something with cardboard and bring it to a friend that can.

[robin58]

Pretty sure there's a part missing from the pictures in post #1. RB's Obsolete Automotive was one of the original vendors of this setup (out of business for a few years now).Those mounts are basically what was on my truck when I purchased it, but in addition to those side mounts it had a front crossmember that bolted into the block and used the same doughnut style rubber mounts to attach it to the frame.

If you want this part zenchal26, you're more than welcome to it (just pay for the USPS ride) as I have no use for it having replaced it with one of the common universal crossmembers like this one: http://www.brotherstrucks.com/prodin...number=ECM4759

[miltmilton]

Zenchal26,

Mind sharing where you found the mounts pictured? I'm putting a 292 (off set motor mounts) in my 48 and those look like a good set to start with. I agree with the need for added material and would be easy to accomplish.

Thanks,

milt

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by zenchal26

So if those mounts in my first pick were beefed up there would be no need for a x-member connecting frame rails?

Is there enough clearance under the pan to cut and raise the loop of the crossmember so that it gives more clearance above the axle? A lot of those were designed so you could pretty well drop the pan with the engine bolted to the mounts and as long as you have 1/2-3/4 of an inch clearance between the cross tube and the pan you should be good. You would have to cut it just below where the mounts weld to it, take a section out and cut the tube in the middle so you can weld a section in the middle when you weld the outside parts back together raising the bottom of the loop.


Cut it square and you might be able to use the piece you cut out to fill in the middle of the bottom cut.

[booger1949]

ogre is rite, there strong an real east to do if u can fab any at all

[zenchal26]

robin58

Have you lowerd yor truck with the universal x-member in it? Any pics? I have lowered the front with 3" monos and 3" drop axle.

I have the x-member setup now and do not have the new mounts yet. Didn't think of cutting the old one. Biggest thing I'm wondering is if the frame is strong enough to mount the eng with out an x-member. Looks like some have cracked frame.

[robin58]

Zenchal, yes I have a 4" dropped axle and monoleafs.

The main reason I swapped out the old engine mounts and front support pictured above for the universal style crossmember was because the front support that was in mine interfered with my plans for power steering. Also aesthetically I personally think it looks better being mostly hidden while at the same time beefing up support.

There's some pictures in here: http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b8...53_Chevy_3100/

If you're concerned about interference between the crossmember and the front solid axle, you don't have any worries: there's plenty of clearance.

[parkwood]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

i'd think the cardboard would get wet and lose some of it's strength

Ogre, Ha Ha, and a nother bad thing is you have to turn down the heat a little when you weld them in...

[Amorget]

Looking at the custom motor mounts, is there any sort of rubber isolator on them or are they solid mounted?

[zenchal26]

robin58
Thx for the pics but my truck is a 57. I know there is a difference between body styles but not sure how much. I guess I'll have to wait until I mock it up to see clearance.

miltmilton
found mounts in lmctruck.com

[parkwood]

Originally Posted by Amorget

Looking at the custom motor mounts, is there any sort of rubber isolator on them or are they solid mounted?

As for the Custom motor mounts, if you're talking about the ones i posted you use the stock side rubber mount bolted to the block and build off that.. I put a steel tube in the stock motor mount and build off that out to the frame. the thing doing it this way you can clear anything that might be in your way. But in all the cars and trucks i've done it's been easy with not much getting in the way... "chevy had a better idea"

[Amorget]

Ah, I've never seen that style of mounts before in person, so I wasn't sure exactly what they were made of.

[parkwood]

Originally Posted by Amorget

Ah, I've never seen that style of mounts before in person, so I wasn't sure exactly what they were made of.

Well i can't take credit for coming with them, all i did was copy some that you could buy for $75 bucks or more. I make mine out of 1/8" steel plate. just make a pattern out of card board and trace it on the steel plate and cut it out... not sure it i've got any better close up pictures but if i do i'll post them..

[_Ogre]

amorget, look at my first pic they are very similar to what parkwood made (sans cardboard )
smc rubber mount, 3/8 tube and some metal.
that's it

[parkwood]

Ogre these are for you too because i know how much you like my card board motor mounts. Amorget maybe this will help you a little better see how i make the motor mounts.. Main thing is getting the motor set just were you want it, centered, level front to back and side to side, and just build off that..

[zenchal26]

All these mounts off the frame rail seem to be on a sub frame of some sort not the stock frame???

[_Ogre]

My first pic shows my old frame mounts
Anyone interested in them pm me
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