Ever set out on what should be a simple job on your jag only to open a can of worms that you wish you could close again? I present to you, my Sunday afternoon:

Since I bought my most recent xj-s (an '86) I have been addressing problems here and there and today's assignment was to address the complete vagueness in the steering and wandering around the road which I diagnosed as shot outer tie rod ends.

THAT was 10 minute job, no big deal; but what I noticed halfway through was "not the good part". The front subframe V mounts are disintegrated.



Now I already searched the forum and found Greg's thread about replacing the V mounts so I have a rough idea about what's involved. I think I'll replace all 4 front subframe mounts at the same time and then move on to all the suspension bushings at a later date.

It sounds like it's possible to replace these 4 rubber mounts without dropping the subframe all the way but any advice or wisdom on this subject as always, would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. does anyone have pictures of how they have supported the engine during the front subframe removal?

 

It is some years since l did this job but as far as l remember it was pretty straightforward to change in position. Stands under front jacking points with car in air a little and a trolley jack under front suspension crossmember for support and then change out one front bushing at a time then remove rear V mount bottom studs and lower jack just enough to remove and replace those mounts. The rears are a pain but you can get to them with a little effort. If your engine mounts have hardened or are starting to break up it might pay to just loosen one of the nuts on them slightly to avoid stress.

 

You have to support the engine with a cross beam and chains to the front lifting eyes first. Site the beam about 3 inches rearwards of the eyes or else the engine tens to move forward and getting the engine mount studs back into their brackets on the engine is a problem. Then undo the engine mounts using a ratchet spanner 9/16ths,
Then do Baxtor's thing with the stands under the body and the jack under the subframe.
Then undo the bottom shocker bolts, then loosen off the huge front mount bolts but do not remove them. Then undo the V mount nuts and lower the rear of the subframe just enough to get a spanner on the front mounting bolts of the V mount - which is the difficult one. If you are careful you do not have to undo the brake flexible, but be careful not to stress it.

Once the V mounts are done, the next difficulty is loosening the clamp bolt and nut that goes round the front six shot mount, they may be easier to loosen with the subframe still swung down. If not, you may have to remove the rad to get at the top of the fixing. See what is possible. replace these one at a time and ensure the subframe is very well supported if you do this while the V mounts are still unattached.

 

I made one of timber, + length of bed iron and a couple of hooks from a hardware shop, oh and some wood feet and gorilla works fine

 

I made mine from timber too, 2 6x4 sistered with 3/4 ply in the middle

 

I would be worried about bending the metal that is supporting the weight of the motor. Just saying.