[grd777]

need to changes out my motor mounts on my 72 formula .seems to be a pain in the ass with the suspension still on any tips

[3tas4me]

Originally Posted by grd777

need to changes out my motor mounts on my 72 formula .seems to be a pain in the ass with the suspension still on any tips

You want to change the mounting plates that are bolted to the subframe? Are you changing the engine from Pontiac to something else?

[Sirrotica]

My experience is that a swivel socket (usually 9/16, if the bolts are USS, 15MM on metric bolts) on a long 3/8 extension will usually get on the nuts inside of the front crossmember. Usually just using a 3/8 swivel joint with a regular socket attached may not get you enough angle, you should try to have a swivel socket of the correct size, with the universal made into it. Socket pictured below:



If you can't get on the nuts through the lower control arm mounting holes with a swivel and extension. I have used a large step drill to make holes large enough for the swivel socket to fit through. The crossmember is plenty strong enough that a hole on both sides of the crossmember won't have any effect.

[grd777]

Originally Posted by Sirrotica

My experience is that a swivel socket (usually 9/16, if the bolts are USS, 15MM on metric bolts) on a long 3/8 extension will usually get on the nuts inside of the front crossmember. Usually just using a 3/8 swivel joint with a regular socket attached may not get you enough angle, you should try to have a swivel socket of the correct size, with the universal made into it. Socket pictured below:



If you can't get on the nuts through the lower control arm mounting holes with a swivel and extension. I have used a large step drill to make holes large enough for the swivel socket to fit through. The crossmember is plenty strong enough that a hole on both sides of the crossmember won't have any effect.

do you mean thru the side of the cross member

[grd777]

Originally Posted by 3tas4me

You want to change the mounting plates that are bolted to the subframe? Are you changing the engine from Pontiac to something else?

no the p.o i think had a chevy in it but i want to put back the original engine , which he kept. the motor mount were altered and i need to go back to the original type

[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by grd777

do you mean thru the side of the cross member

Bottom, roughly a 3/4 inch hole will allow the swivel socket to be inserted into the crossmember with a long extension. I had to do this to change the mounts on an 84 cutlass without removing the lower control arms. Changeover from diesel to gas engine.

[NOT A TA]

Swivel socket with long extension. If not a "correct" restoration I replace the bolts with locking nuts/bolts which makes installation by myself much easier. Once the nuts are started you don't need tools up inside the frame anymore.