I'm thinking of making a bracket that would connect between the engine and the rear cross-member of the cradle (See the picture for mounting locations.) I'd, probably, use only 2 of the exisitng bolt holes on the engine and a urethane mount on the cradle. This bracket might be able to replace the conventional dogbone mounting locations on the top side of the engine. Also, the bracket could provide a mounting surface for an intermediate shaft. Any thoughts? Advise?



Thanks.

Rick

If you are planning to mount an intermediate shaft bearing to this "dogbone", then it will need to be solid mounted at the engine and will be more of an additional mount than a dogbone. With it being a solid mount at the engine, it can be mounted where you suggest. You might look into using a stock tranny snount support from the 125C or 4T60 to the 2.8 as a start, but it would just be a start - the chances of the axle locations between the auto and manual transmissions being in the exact same location is unlikely.

Without the intermediate shaft, you must account for movement of the axle/drivetrain so this support clears the axle under all conditions. Also, with pivots at both ends, I prefer to mount it as high up on the engine as possible with as close to a 45 degree angle as possible to the cradle.

I actually used that exact spot. I used a stock 4 cylinder dogbone. I bolted one bracket to the block, and then welded one to the cradle. The bracket was actually welded on the inside of the edge of the cradle instead of the top. I used poly bushings in the dogbone, and I learned the hard way that you HAVE to take the dogbone off to work on the alternator. I'll try to get some pictures.

Nick

Pictures would be great. I take it you had no problems with the axle hitting the bracket.