I installed a set of SOLID motor mounts and a transmission cross-member mount into my 351C Ranger instead of the stock rubber mounts. I expected additional vibration. Not having had solid motor mounts before, I'm not sure if this is normal or if there is something wrong with the harmonic balancer. Any thoughts?

 

Every vibration from the engine and transmission will be transmitted into the vehicle. You might feel vibration in the steering wheel that you never felt before or somewhere else, but it's going to feel like nothing you've ever driven before. You either get used to it, or go back to cushioned engine mounts.

 

O.K. A few years ago, I bought a car where the previous owner had tried to remove the harmonic balancer without using a wheel puller and the engine bounced up and down and vibrated to almost a thump when reved up. After I replaced the harmonic balancer, all of this went away. This Ranger feels exactly the same. This engine has been sitting for years and just recently fired up. The harmonic balancer came off a 1970 351C. The running engine itself is a 1972 351C CJ. I was just wondering if there are any differences in them, or maybe the harmonic balancer was damaged before I bought it. I did not have it running before, so the only comparison I can make is to a 5.0 with cushioned mounts. This 351C seems to bounce up and down as it is reved up just like the harmonic balancer is out of wack. But, if this seems normal, I can live with it. I was just concerned that if there was a balance problem, it would damage the main bearings. Thank you.

 

Also keep in mind that you are going to feel every miss, and every little hiccup throughout the truck from the engine. Keep a check on any nuts/bolts that may vibrate loose.

 

Thanks for all the info!!