99' Motor mount replacement procedures

[Chzyrider]

Hey, I need some help please! I need some definate procedures for replacing the motor mounts on a '99 Mountaineer, 5.0, AWD.

In studying the situation, the upper nuts are easily accessed by removing the mud/rain guard flaps from the fenderwells. But I still gotta figure out the best way to get at the lower nuts since the front differential (and mounting bracket) is in the way to access the lower nut on the driver's side and the inner CV joint blocks access to the passenger side.

The engine of course has to be lifted and supported, but I don't see any places to grab it from above. Please help here too, otherwise careful positioning of wood blocks to distribute the weight against the oil pan from underneath on a floorjack will have to do.

 

[99SportX]

I was able to get the lower bolts by just dropping the diff down a little ways with the CVs still attached. I had to use a wobble socket and some extensions but it can be done.

For doing a motor mount I would honestly try to do one mount at a time using a floor jack and some wood blocks on the pan. You will probably have to undo the exhaust collector bolts to be able to lift the engine far enough. Every other connection should flex enough when lifting the engine up.

 

[Chzyrider]

Thanks!! I was able to get someone to upload a pdf file on an older similar thread related to this that had no previous answers at the time. What I really needed was someone who has actually done this before. Thanks again, you confirmed my initial observations of what was needed to be done.

PDF file here-
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2473211#post2473211

It indicates what you mentioned about removing the differential mounts, but did not indicate lowering it. It also says to remove the fan shroud and sway bar brackets; was that something you needed to do as well for access?

Replacing motor mounts is not new to me, just doing it on this vehicle is... and I'm finding lots of stuff in the way.

 

[99SportX]

I must confess, I did change the motor mounts while the engine was out during my V8 swap. The diff and CV's were in place though so the clearance issues to get to the lower bolt are not any different. I just didn't have to lift the engine to remove the mount. I just removed the bolts holding the diff housing to the frame and let it fall down until the CV's contacted the torsion bars. I was then able to get enough access to the motor mount bolt. I am going off memory here. The rest is up to you I guess. That thread should have most of the answers.