i need to know if i can swap out an 87 V6 cradle with an 84 4cyl cradle. they look the same to me. except for that bracket that holds the engine shock absorber in front of the engine and that's bolted on. if you know, just leave a note.

Mike 87SE 2.8

You got it!

They are all identical (except for the '84, like you mentioned). The only differences are in the position and number of tranny mounts.

I have noticed that an '88 4-cyl. w/auto has an extra ledge welded onto it for teh tranny mount, but it is still compatible with a V-6 with the proper mounts, etc., but that doesn't pertain to your problem.

If you can locate a newer ('85-'87) cradle then by all means use the '84 and fashion up the mount for the mini shock thing....it will work.

Just to add to the confirmation, yes. I used a 84 cradle to replace a bent 85 V-6 cradle. One note, the 84 cradle already has one of the holes for the shock absorber in it. You can just drill the other two. Also, I didn't have this problem, but I was told that there are two different strength cradles. The "weaker" ones don't have the plate reinforcing the frame where it passes over the exhaust pipe. This is the underside of the forward crossmember on the right side.

thank you guys so much! an 84 cradle is all that i have and the stupid junk yard crushed the 86SE that i needed a whole bunch of parts off of, and all i have to work with now is my 84 parts car. yeah, the front beam of my cradle is totally snapped in half, i am in need of replacement. thanks again.

mike
87SE 2.8