Engine Mount - Strut

Replace the engine mount strut (also called torque strut or restraint) on a 1972 Ford F-100 with 302ci V8 to eliminate engine movement and vibration.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine mount strut (torque strut) × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent for 1972 F-100 302 V8
• Mounting hardware kit (if not included with strut) × 1 — Bolts, washers, and lock washers

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under the frame rails
6. Inspect existing engine mount strut to identify mounting points and hardware configuration
7. Apply penetrating oil to all strut mounting fasteners and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes if hardware shows corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the engine weight
   Position a floor jack under the engine oil pan with a wood block (2x4 or similar) between the jack saddle and pan to distribute load and prevent damage. Raise jack until it just makes contact and supports the engine weight, but do not lift the engine. The engine should be stable but not under upward pressure.
2. 2

   Locate and inspect the engine mount strut
   Locate the engine mount assembly. On the 1972 F-100 302 V8 this is typically a rubber insulator mount on each side of the engine, bolted to a bracket on the block and to the frame crossmember, rather than a firewall/cowl-mounted torque strut. Identify all mounting points and hardware and verify your specific configuration against a factory service manual before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove firewall/cowl end mounting bolts
   Using the appropriate wrench or socket, remove the bolts securing the mount at the frame/crossmember end. Support the mount with one hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation, and verify bolt count and size for your specific configuration.
4. 4

   Remove engine end mounting bolts
   Remove the bolts securing the mount to the engine bracket. On the 1972 F-100 302 V8 the bracket bolts to the side of the engine block. Verify the exact bolt count and thread location for your configuration before removal. The engine may shift slightly when the strut is disconnected; the floor jack will control this movement. Remove the old strut from the vehicle.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces and inspect brackets
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting surfaces at both the engine and firewall/cowl brackets. Remove rust, old threadlocker, and debris. Inspect both mounting brackets for cracks, elongated bolt holes, or damage. Replace any damaged brackets before installing the new strut.
6. 6

   Position new engine mount strut
   Position the new strut between the engine and firewall/cowl mounting brackets. The strut should align naturally with both mounting holes without forcing. If alignment is difficult, adjust the floor jack height slightly to shift engine position. Do not force the strut into position.
7. 7

   Install engine end mounting bolts finger-tight
   Insert the 2 bolts at the engine end through the strut and into the mounting bracket. Thread bolts by hand until finger-tight. Include any washers or lock washers per original configuration. Do not fully tighten yet.
8. 8

   Install firewall/cowl end mounting bolts finger-tight
   Insert the 2 bolts at the firewall/cowl end through the strut and into the mounting bracket. Thread bolts by hand until finger-tight. Ensure all washers and spacers are in their correct positions. Do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Verify strut alignment and torque all fasteners
   With all four bolts finger-tight, verify the strut is properly seated at both ends without binding or twisting. Torque the mounting bolts to the factory specification for the 1972 F-100 302 V8 in a cross pattern. Verify the correct torque value against the factory service manual before final tightening; do not rely on a generic value.
10. 10

    Remove engine support and lower vehicle
    Carefully lower the floor jack to remove support from under the oil pan. Remove the wood block and jack. The engine should now be fully supported by its mounts with the strut controlling fore-aft movement. Lower the vehicle from jack stands and remove stands.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable
2. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start the engine and observe for excessive movement or vibration while idling
• With engine running, have an assistant shift between Park, Reverse, and Drive while you observe engine movement from outside the vehicle (automatic transmission). Engine should move minimally with no clunking
• For manual transmission, observe engine movement during engagement and disengagement of clutch at idle
• Visually inspect all four strut mounting bolts to confirm they are tight and properly seated
• Test drive vehicle and note any vibration at idle, during acceleration, or deceleration. Properly installed strut should eliminate excessive engine rock and vibration
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check all mounting bolt torque

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