Body mounts - when to ditch them

1992wranglersahara · 05-30-2009, 07:47 PM

Hey all -

I am continuing to move forward with my chassis swap due to extreme rot.

The 11 body mounts are what I am stopping to ask about. Before I go laying the body down on these old ones, should I be replacing them? As I said, the old chassis was littered with rot... half of these body mounts look okay, but the other half are not so grand. The rubber bushings have rust embedded in them and the metal sleeves have rust on them, as well. Also, many of the underside bushings rotted away - I have only two left.

Should I be looking at buying a whole new set? If so, should I be looking at a two inch lift kit and kill two birds with one stone? I NEED TO MAKE SURE that I get everything that I need to mount the body back. I really don't want to buy a semi-complete set - only to find out that I have to buy more stuff to mount the body.

If someone has experience in replacing all that stuff and would tell me my best course of action - and what NOT to forget - I would be very appreciative.

As always, this forum is the best. When I get this swap done, I will hopefully be able to share some advice, rather than just ask for it.

Thanks -

dooder · 05-30-2009, 08:00 PM

install a new set
Energy Suspension 2-4105G - Energy Suspension Body Cab Mount Set in Black for 87-95 Jeep Wrangler YJ - Quadratec

or in red
Energy Suspension 2-4105R - Energy Suspension Body Cab Mount Set in Red for 87-95 Jeep Wrangler YJ - Quadratec

check here for more
Jeep Body Mounts & Lifts - Quadratec

jgwalt · 05-30-2009, 08:12 PM

I did this last year. spray all the bolts as much as you can before you remove them. Although this helps for removal, something will probably give you trouble along the way. I had two bolts break. Best of luck to you!

**buckshot500** · 05-30-2009, 10:03 PM

I agree on changing them while you have it apart. If the body mounts still haven't been removed yet, there is something you need to know.

Depending on what climates your jeep has seen, (IE; salt belt/ beach cruiser) you have to be really careful removing the stock bolts. If you want to do it right, you should drill a 1/8" hole above each mount, & spray some PB blaster in the weird nuts which are spot welded to the tub.

I have done much research on the subject, & this drilling of some small holes is much easier than chopping a 4" square above each body mount & re-welding the nuts back to the tub!
This procedure is also recommended for the bolts that hold the skid plate on. Only you drill the holes in the side of the frame rails, about 2" up from the lower edge of the frame rail.

Do a board search here, & at jeepforum.com for "broken body mount bolt".
One of these two boards has a post with pic locations of all the holes that need to be drilled. Soak them with blaster for like two weeks, & keep your fingers crossed!

minderbinder3 · 05-30-2009, 10:23 PM

Change the body mounts while you have the tub off. Take my word for it some of the original ones look alright until you go to remove them and they fall apart. Try to get a kit that comes with new bolts and you will be glad when the time comes. Now is the time to decide how much lift you want. You should be able to throw the old ones away and just use the new ones, but remember if you do that then a 2" body lift will only give 1".

**buckshot500** · 05-31-2009, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minderbinder3

Change the body mounts while you have the tub off. Take my word for it some of the original ones look alright until you go to remove them and they fall apart. Try to get a kit that comes with new bolts and you will be glad when the time comes. Now is the time to decide how much lift you want. You should be able to throw the old ones away and just use the new ones, but remember if you do that then a 2" body lift will only give 1".

I never new that, always thought body lifts completely replaced the stock ones.

Thanks I haven't done mine yet, so I'll keep that in mind.

dooder · 05-31-2009, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minderbinder3

but remember if you do that then a 2" body lift will only give 1".

i didnt know that either. i like buckshot thought the lift completely replaces mounts.

minderbinder3 · 05-31-2009, 06:52 AM

I don't know about all of the kits but on some if you order a 3" body lift then the spacers will be 3" long and they intend for you to place them on top of the original ones. So if you toss the old ones then you are losing 1" from the stock height.

1992wranglersahara · 05-31-2009, 07:43 PM

Thanks everybody... I appreciate it. Now, with the Quadratec body mount kit - will that include ALL eleven mounts I need. There is eleven, correct? Four on each side, two in the back and the mount for the nose piece... eleven total?

Also, that kit doesn't include bolts, so I'll have to get the bolts from them seperately.

The rear two bolts broke off in there, so I guess I am going to drill them out and tap it. Is that the easiest solution?

dooder · 05-31-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1992wranglersahara

Also, that kit doesn't include bolts, so I'll have to get the bolts from them seperately.

The rear two bolts broke off in there, so I guess I am going to drill them out and tap it. Is that the easiest solution?

you could get the 1" lift that comes with bolts Daystar/Four Real Steel KJ04505BK - Daystar 1" Poly Body Lift in Black for 87-95 Jeep Wrangler YJ - Quadratec .

look up a few posts what buckshot posted about drilling and soaking. you might be a bit beyond but still have to remove broken bolts.

1992wranglersahara · 05-31-2009, 08:02 PM

Thanks... I'll see what's up when I get to the point of reinstalling the body. I am probably about two weeks away from that (famous last words). My big issue now is the motor mounts!

**buckshot500** · 05-31-2009, 08:53 PM

For the broken bolts, first try drilling them. Center punch your hole dead center in the bolt.
Use a small drill, with light pressure first then slowly increase the drill size. When you have almost reached the threads, use an easy-out to remove the rest. If you can get to the area above the nut, you could maybe use Vise-grips to turn them through.