Body mount install on 68 firebird

[68firebird]

Well, I've taken the first step in building my suspension. I bought the global west body mount kit. Now I'm trying to figure out what is involved in installing them. Lowend had mentioned that it was a p.i.t.a job. My question is what exactly is the best way to install them. Any info, tips, hints would be greatly apprciated. I apologize if this is a stupid question, but I'm very new at this and just want to make sure I do it properly. I've searched around the net but can't seem to find any helpful info. Thanks guys.

[Whistler]

It took a friend and I about an hour and a half to do the DSE solid bushings in my car.
First measure the location of your subframe now. (assuming it is aligned correctly now)
Loosen all the bolts
Remove the bolts one side at a time, slide in the new bushings, and tighten them in place. You can use a crowbar to help lift the car in te rear of the subframe, and use a floor jack for the ones at the base of the firewall. Put a block of wood at the very front of the rocker panel and jack by that.
You can use the same idea with the block of wood and the jack for the front, just jack by the radiator support.
Put anti-sieze on the threads of the bolts that bolt into the unibody
There is a spot right next to the body bolt at the base of the firewall that allows you to slide a metal rod, or a large screwdriver into, to adjust the frame in relationship to the body before the final tightening

[68Formula]

The biggest hint I will give you is this:
Hit the bolts thoroughly with penetrating oil every day for at least a week before you do it. And don't jerk the wrench to apply force. Last think you want to to break the welded nuts on the other end.

Anyway after doing mine, this is what worked for me and others have followed it with success:

Replacing the body mounts can be a pain, but not so bad once you've done it. Trying to do it without removing the battery tray was a waste of time. Plus my radiator support mounts were so dang corroded I thought I was doing something wrong. I kept prying on them rather than punching them out from the top. If I did it again (mine our solid, so I shouldn't have to) I could do it in half the time.

1. At least one week prior to task, spray all bolts from top and bottom with penetrating oil once every day. The welded nuts have a tendancy to corrode, so if they break your looking at a lot more work!

2.Remove the battery/battery tray (this will be required, don't bother trying to avoid it -you'll make more work for yourself).

3.Start with one side of the car. You need to leave at least two bolts tight at all times to avoid having the subframe shift.

4.Remove all three mounting bolts on the passenger side, plus the core support bolt on the driver side (leave other two bolted).

5.Unbolt the two pass.-side bumper bolts (this connects the bumper to the subframe. You do not need to unbolt completely, but at least unthread half-way. Mark around them to see if it shifts, so you can realign the bolts later.

6. Place a 3 ft. long 2x4 (I used a 1x6) on top of the jack and jack up on the rocker panel. You'll probably need to go as high as having the front tire leave the ground.

7. Remove the rear two subframe mounts.

8. You'll probably need to hammer out the core support bushings. It took me a solid 5 minutes of pounding with a hammer, extension, and a socket (how not to use tools)!

9. Install new core support bushing.

10. Lower car on new mounts.

11. Get lunch. This will actually give the car some time to settle.

12. Tighten bumper bolts.

13. Retorque two rear-most bolts to specification. (Leave pass. Core support unbolted).

14. Repeat steps 4-10 on driver side.

15. Reinstall battery/battery tray.

16. Take another break. (Let car settle)

17. Torque all remaining bushings to specification (drivers side, plus passenger core support).

18. Drive vehicle. Low speeds, listen for noises or anything unusual.

19. Re-torque all bushings.

20. Done.

[68firebird]

awesome guys, thanks for the help. amcmike, the step by step instructions will be key.