BlaineBug
Full Access Member
The back plug on the passenger side has always been reported to be a bear.Update: I did it.
Only the driver's side. While I was at it, I changed the spark plugs and spark plug wires.
I was able to get the new mount installed with the factory heatshield intact, as well as without having to take out or disconnect ANY driveshaft or anything else, except the intermediate steering shaft, which I simply undid the top bolt and disconnected it from the rest of the shaft, but did not actually remove it. So technically, I didn't remove anything. I did have to remove the exhaust manifold heatshield.
Believe it or not, getting the mount in/out was actually easy compared to something else. Do you know what was much, much worse? THE SPARK PLUGS. The driver's side bank was very easy since I was already there, but the passenger side spark plug way in the back? Oh man, I spent at least 6 hours on it. First, the spark plug wire ripped away from the boot when I tried to get it off the spark plug. Then the boot disintegrated when I tried to get pliers on it. I finally got it ripped out, but then the boot core was stuck on the spark plug. Had to get at it again with pliers, and then I could finally *try* to get the spark plug out.
There is legit no space to do anything. You have to remove the wheel, wheel liner, and the exhaust manifold heatshield to do it easily. It is a real ***** if you don't do that. I didn't remove any of those because I didn't feel like it and I didn't have the space (I have a small garage). Additionally, for some reason, the passenger bank was much more difficult to remove; the spark plugs wouldn't screw in/out easily, and the spark plug wires were difficult to remove. I finally got it done.
I will tell you this. I'm smaller stature: 5'3" and 140lbs. That certainly helped in this case.
So I did all that, plus an oil change, and rotation. It's late, so I'm going to try a test drive and then report back.
I'm glad someone says that spark plugs are worse than the motor mounts, though.
I think the worst spark plug and wire job I ever did was on a C4 Corvette.