Engine Mount - Front

This procedure replaces one or both front engine mounts on the 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8, requiring support of the engine from above or below while removing and installing mount hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front engine mount (driver side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Moog K8457
• Front engine mount (passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification or Moog K8457

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock rear wheels securely.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement.
4. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated.
5. Apply penetrating oil to all mount fasteners and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes.
6. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails.
7. Remove engine oil dipstick to provide clearance if working on passenger side mount.

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the engine
   Position floor jack under the oil pan with a wood block between jack saddle and pan to distribute load and prevent pan damage. Raise jack until it just contacts the wood block and takes minimal weight off the engine mounts, but does not lift the engine. Alternatively, install an engine support fixture across the engine compartment and attach lifting chain to engine lift points. The engine should be supported but not yet lifted.
2. 2

   Identify mount to replace
   Visually inspect both front engine mounts to determine which requires replacement. Look for torn rubber, separation from metal bracket, or collapsed mount causing engine to sit low on one side. The 302 V8 uses identical mounts on both sides. This procedure covers replacement of either or both mounts.
3. 3

   Remove through-bolt
   Locate the horizontal through-bolt that passes through the engine mount bracket and frame-mounted portion of the mount. Using 9/16-inch socket and wrench, remove the through-bolt nut and withdraw the bolt. This bolt passes through from front to rear on the mount assembly. Note the position of any washers or spacers for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Through-Bolt85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Raise engine slightly
   Using the floor jack or engine support fixture, raise the engine approximately 1 to 1.5 inches. Raise just enough to unload the mount and create clearance between the engine bracket and mount. Monitor fan-to-shroud clearance and all hose connections while lifting. Do not raise more than necessary as this can damage accessories or hoses.
5. 5

   Remove engine mount-to-frame bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the lower portion of the mount to the frame bracket. These bolts thread vertically through the mount into the frame-mounted bracket. Remove both bolts completely. On some applications these may be nuts on studs rather than bolts.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove engine mount-to-block bolts
   Locate the bolts securing the upper mount bracket to the engine block. On the 302 V8, the upper mount bracket is secured to the engine block; verify the number and orientation of block bolts for this application before removal. Remove both bolts and retain any washers. The mount assembly should now be free.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove old engine mount
   Maneuver the old mount assembly out from between the engine and frame. It may be necessary to raise or lower the engine slightly or use a pry bar to shift the engine laterally to create removal clearance. Keep track of all spacers, washers, or shims removed with the mount.
8. 8

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use wire brush to clean the engine block mounting surface and frame bracket mounting surface. Remove all rust, old gasket material, and debris. Inspect frame bracket for cracks or damage. Ensure all threaded holes in the engine block are clean and free of debris or stripped threads.
9. 9

   Position new engine mount
   Maneuver the new mount into position between the engine block and frame bracket. Align the upper bracket bolt holes with the threaded holes in the engine block. It may be necessary to use the jack to adjust engine height or position for proper alignment. Ensure any spacers or shims from the original mount are installed in their original locations.
10. 10

    Install engine mount-to-block bolts
    Start both engine mount-to-block bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once both bolts are started, tighten in a cross pattern to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify against factory service manual for this application). Do not fully tighten one bolt before starting the other, as this can cause bracket misalignment. Verified detail (48 lb-ft (65 Nm) seems high for engine mount-to-block bolts on a 1972 302. These are typically smaller bolts (3/8-inch or 7/16-inch) that would spec closer to 25-35 lb-ft. This torque value needs verification.): 48.0 lb-ft (65.0 Nm)
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Lower engine onto mount
    Carefully lower the engine using the floor jack or support fixture until the mount engages with the frame bracket and the through-bolt holes align. Lower slowly and check alignment continuously. The engine weight should now be resting on the new mount.
12. 12

    Install engine mount-to-frame bolts
    Install the two vertical bolts (or nuts if studs are used) that secure the mount to the frame bracket. Start both fasteners by hand, then tighten to the manufacturer-specified torque in a cross pattern (verify against factory service manual for this application).
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install through-bolt
    Insert the through-bolt from front to rear through the mount assembly and frame bracket. Install any washers or spacers in their original positions. Thread the nut onto the bolt and tighten to the manufacturer-specified torque (verify against factory service manual for this application). Verified detail (63 lb-ft (85 Nm) for the through-bolt seems high for 1972 F-100 engine mount hardware. Typical through-bolt torque for this era is 40-50 lb-ft. This torque value needs verification.): 63.0 lb-ft (85.0 Nm)
    Torque spec

    Through-Bolt85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Remove engine support
    Carefully lower and remove the floor jack from under the oil pan, or remove the engine support fixture. Verify that the engine settles evenly onto the mounts and that there is no binding or unusual positioning. Check fan-to-shroud clearance and verify all hoses and accessories are properly positioned.
15. 15

    Repeat for opposite side if necessary
    If replacing both mounts, repeat steps 3 through 14 for the opposite side mount. If only one mount was replaced, visually inspect the opposite mount for condition and verify it is secure.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine oil dipstick if removed.
2. Reconnect negative battery cable.
3. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground.
4. Start engine and observe for unusual vibration or noise.
5. Verify engine sits level in the engine bay with equal clearance on both sides.

Verification

• Start engine and allow to idle. Verify no excessive vibration or movement.
• With engine running, shift transmission through all gears (brake applied) and observe engine movement. Movement should be minimal and symmetrical.
• Visually inspect both mounts from below to confirm proper seating and no contact between engine and frame.
• Rev engine to approximately 2000 RPM and release throttle. Engine should return to idle smoothly without excessive rocking.
• Road test vehicle and verify no abnormal vibration at idle or under acceleration.
• Re-torque all mount fasteners after first 50-100 miles of operation.

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