I know this subject has been talked about a lot, I did a search and got lots of info. Jack the engine up from below with a good piece of wood between the oil pan and the jack and somehow undo the nuts on the top side of the lower motor mount. (Make sure it is solid rubber)
Is there a special box end wrench I can buy?
Do I have to disconnect any of the top engine parts before I lift the motor up a bit?
Unbolt the two nuts that attach the mount to the subframe.
Use a 15mm (?) boxed offset wrench and you will be able to slowly work the top nuts loose and out. I didn't use any special one, just an offset craftsman one. It was slow going, but probably the easiest way. I don't remember which way I fit the wrench in there. Disconnect the dog bone mounts up top. Support the motor as you descirbed, and slowly inch it up. You may have to jack it a little to get the nuts completely off the top of the mount, since as the nuts move up the threads, they push the wrench further against the oil pan and eventually you won't be able to remove/turn it without threading the nuts back on a little. Lifting the motor will give you a little clearance.
Do they make offset ratcheting wrenches? that would make this job a hell of a lot easier, so long the head isn't too big to fit inside the top of the engine bracket.
Install is reverse. I can't remember which side I bolted down first, but either way it's going to be a pain to line the bolts back up with either the bracket or the frame. I think I bolted it to the bracket then lowered it onto the frame. Having a buddy around wouldn't be a bad idea, to make sure the engine doesn't tilt at all on you and to help you maneuver it into the right spot for the mount. If it's aggrevatingly close to having both studs back through the holes, get out from under it and give it a few kicks while it's still on the jack a little.
oh, I've only done this on my Cutlass. You might want to disconnect the intercooler tubing too on a TGP, but it might not make a difference. I don't think anything else would be a problem.
John,
I can help you do this in the spring....I would help you now...but I just R&R the subframe to put in my new oil pump...and it's the LAST thing I want to mess with right now...however...Tony's write up sounds like a good one to follow.
Thanks Tony, I would have tried to take the cradle off, I went to Sears and got an offset 15MM box end wrench and it really wasn't that hard to get the nuts off (about 2 beer a nut). Turns out the old one wasn't that bad but the rubber was pretty spongy. A little scary jacking the motor up, sort of waiting for a something to snap.
Thanks for the offer Kyle, I did it today, about a 4 hour job.
Here is some pictures.
http://community.webshots.com/user/d0gbone (http://community.webshots.com/user/d0gbone)