8 Trans mounts in 1 year!!!???

**Omega Supmeme** · 09-05-2012, 07:11 PM

I have gone through 8, 8?, Yes EIGHT transmission mounts. First off yes I have a Poly mount, but I hate it. I want a smooth Firebird. I just put in new engine mounts and its still breaking them. However, this one was only broken on the rear side of the mount, not the both like before. So I know the new mounts are working some. But there is something else.

I have a few questions:

1) How much space should be between the tq arm and the mount? Would a worn mount cause enough flex/stress to go through trans mounts like this? I'm seeing almost 1/4-1/2" of spacing between bottom of the tq arm and the mount. Tq arm seems to be in good shape, no cracks or weird bends.

2) Does the exhaust mount from after the cat that connects to the trans, act as another mount? Mine was eliminated a while back.

Thanks guys.

**tatertot91** · 09-05-2012, 07:52 PM

The exhaust mount should not have an effect on the trans mount. Did you install Poly motor mounts?

**Omega Supmeme** · 09-06-2012, 12:08 AM

Poly

***pajeff02*** · 09-06-2012, 02:53 AM

How close does the exhaust run to the mount? You can break the vulcanized bond on mounts with a heat gun.

**Omega Supmeme** · 09-06-2012, 09:25 AM

Its the stock exhaust, minus the exhaust hanger that connects to the trans.

**SMWS6TA** · 09-06-2012, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by Omega Supmeme

I have gone through 8, 8?, Yes EIGHT transmission mounts. First off yes I have a Poly mount, but I hate it. I want a smooth Firebird. I just put in new engine mounts and its still breaking them. However, this one was only broken on the rear side of the mount, not the both like before. So I know the new mounts are working some. But there is something else.

I have a few questions:

1) How much space should be between the tq arm and the mount? Would a worn mount cause enough flex/stress to go through trans mounts like this? I'm seeing almost 1/4-1/2" of spacing between bottom of the tq arm and the mount. Tq arm seems to be in good shape, no cracks or weird bends.

2) Does the exhaust mount from after the cat that connects to the trans, act as another mount? Mine was eliminated a while back.

Thanks guys.

1) Could you take a pic and post? May help us.

2) No - it only holds the ORY in place so it doesn't vibrate against the floor boards. Has nothing to do with the trans mount.

**Omega Supmeme** · 09-06-2012, 08:06 PM

I'll get a pic tomorrow for you.

**Omega Supmeme** · 09-07-2012, 02:53 PM

Untitled.jpg

Cant tell from the angle, but there is a good size amount of space, between the bottom of the arm and the top of that bottom section of rubber.

**tatertot91** · 09-07-2012, 10:41 PM

That would be the torque arm bushing

**Omega Supmeme** · 09-07-2012, 10:47 PM

Right you are TOT. SMWS6TA asked for pics of the condition of said torque arm mount.

**Smittro** · 09-08-2012, 05:24 AM

Time to upgrade.

**SMWS6TA** · 09-08-2012, 07:26 AM

Wow that bushing is FUBAR.

**tatertot91** · 09-08-2012, 07:28 AM

Is the car lowered?

**SMWS6TA** · 09-08-2012, 08:40 AM

To answer your question about a worn TA bushing could effect the transmission mount.

IMHO no it shouldn't. The TA and it's bushing is design to allow the TA to slide in/out as the rear end flexs on launching, driving, turn, etc...

If it was rigid in place a couple things would break with the way it is designed.

Now having a loose bushing is bad as well. The TA is now allowed to slide to much and can allow the pinon angle to get near failure point. Otherwise I'm saying you can break the drive shaft, u joint, etc because the TA is not keeping it proper position.

You need to get the bushing replace. Check the mounting bolts on the TA that secures it to the rear end. Make sure they are tighten properly.

**Omega Supmeme** · 09-08-2012, 05:24 PM

It is lowered with strano springs and konis.

So the pinion angle, from the fubard T/A mount has no effect on the tranny mounts constantly going out? What else could cause this much carnage?

I will get a new torque arm mount next. I have the old poly trans mount in there now. I almost bought an LS1 style mount and it looked just as flimsy as the LT1.