Factory firewall to engine clearance on '88 wag?

[Mavawreck]

Hey guys,
Swapped my valve covers today and noticed that the back of my valve covers are rubbing on the firewall. How much space is there usually? Looks like the cruiser control cable bracket is even a little bent from banging on the firewall. Motor mounts have been on my to-do list. Have the poly kit from BJ's sitting here. Looking underneath it, there are two sets of slots on the frame the mounts can bolt to, mine are bolted to the back slots on the drivers side and the forward slots on the passenger side. Is that correct or should they be in the forward holes on both sides? I'm guessing I need to loosen up the transmission before I try sliding anything forward? That might explain the clunk I get in reverse. If I'm lucky.

[KaiserMan]

My first FSJ was like that. Went to do a valve cover gasket set on it and couldn't get the passengers side off It was right on the heater box. Sounds like your motor mounts are bad. Mine where! Good time to do your tranny mount as well.

[Mavawreck]

I've got new transmission mounts as well and the radiator is already out. Any idea of how much clearance you have now? Or which holes were used on the frame?

[serehill]

Mines like that.

I've got new transmission mounts as well and the radiator is already out. Any idea of how much clearance you have now? Or which holes were used on the frame?

I believe the P.O. put mine in wrong but would like to know for sure. He rebuilt mine. I had an 83 & it was factory & they were in the front.

[KaiserMan]

Any idea of how much clearance you have now?

Just checked my J20 with original mounts. Looks like around 3" on the left and 2" on the right.

[mark j]

I have poly mounts on my '89 with both sides to the front mounting position. The poly mounts are thicker than the old compressed rubber mounts and seem to elevate the engine and displace the rear of the passenger side valve cover closer to the firewall. I think I have about 1/2 inch clearance on the passenger side and 2" on the driver side- which is just enough to clear the kickdown brackets. Not sure how well you can see from these pics. Hope it helps.

[Mavawreck]

Thanks Mark, that actually helps a lot. Looks like your kick down brackets rub in the same place mine do.