Really bad Tranny mount?

[frannyB]

Hi All,

Are these mounts on my '86 Cab really bad or should there be a separation at the top? I know they can (and will) be replaced, but is it so bad I shouldn't drive on any trips with them like this?

Thanks,

Franny

[KTL]

They look fine in terms of the rubber integrity. No cracking or separation.

But they're missing a large washer on the top side, similar to the third picture where the big washer is under the bolt head.

[James Brown]

they do sag down but that's normal. any shifting problems?

[frannyB]

Huh... I wonder where that went missing to...

I want to take a couple hour drive with the car and am wondering if they have to be replaced before the trip. I don't really have the time, but I started poking around because of shifting inconsistencies. I think the tranny and engine are doing a bit of a jig back there and that is why 1-2 shifts are very hit or miss (my current theory at least). There is also a bit of lurching in 1st gear in a parking lot at low speeds on and off the throttle.

Missing the big washer... How do you forget that?

Thanks,

Franny

[frannyB]

Yup to the shifting problems

I also meant to add that I have replaced all the shift linkage bushings and the coupler. That did help a lot, but it is still a bit inconsistent. I want to swap out the 10+ year old Swepco as well.

Gotta love deferred maintenance!

f

[McLaren-TAG]

Originally Posted by James Brown

they do sag down but that's normal. any shifting problems?

come now.. it's a 915 tranny, of course there's shifting problems. but I'm sure with new bushings and coupler refresh it will be back to 95% as new. unless he's it's also in need of syncros etc.

The poly inserts our hosts sells are very cheap and will stiffen things up nicely there.

[frannyB]

Yeah, but I would expect consistent shifting... Maybe?

It is much better when the tranny is cool, not hot. I think that is the old fluid. supposedly the 1st and 2nd was re-built about 10K ago (according to the docs). I have read that bad engine and tranny mounds make the higher torque shifts inconsistent. I don't go much above 4K in 1st and that helps. 5K would be a better match for 2nd gear though I think.

It really would be nice to have a new car as a "control". I never know if what I have is normal or not.

Thanks guys,

Franny

[KTL]

I hope you're joking about the gear oil that's 10+ years old

[James Brown]

under torque is where you have problems with old mounts, thats where new trans mounts shine. yes, new bushings and couplers will amaze you. change the oil

[frannyB]

I will change the oil this weekend. So many maintenance items to get through! I think the tranny oil in the 356 was about 20 years old when we picked it up - it was one of the first things we did.

Thanks again for all your help!

Franny