Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Banging transmission

inkedrose

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I revived an old thread about transmission mounts but before I start spending money I want to make sure I'm chasing the correct problem. I have an 04' Rubi with the 5 speed NV3550. Rock Krawler long arm kit and skid from PO so not sure what else is stock and whats not.
Whenever I hit a big bump stick shift always jiggles a little. Coming out of the mountains the other day hit a pretty small bumb & transmission started really slamming side to side. Was able to grab stick shift and calm it down. Drove conservatively home without issue, ran through all the gears fine. Went to wash mud off and it did it again but it was so bad I had to come to a complete stop. Jeep was thrashing side to side no control (guessing this is what death wobble feels like). Once it stopped, again was able to drive it couple blocks home with no other issue. I replaced serpentine belt and pully's recently and was still getting a squeal. Replaced with a higher quality belt and still am getting a chirp around 3000rpm that goes away (way better than original new belt). Thought it was still just belt but now not sure if issues are related
Skid doesn't seem loose, guessing transmission mount is the most likely problem ? @macleanflood suggested changing motor mounts while I'm there which makes sense. Is there anything else that might be causing this or am I on the right track? From what can be seen does this look like a stock transmission mount? I'm getting ready to leave town for a few weeks but want to order parts for when I get home. Should I drop skid before ordering? What else am I looking for?

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Motor mount driver side.jpg


motor mount passanger.jpg
 
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When I first bought my TJ I was concerned about rust between the skid and bottom of the frame rails so I dropped the skid plate to clean up and repaint the rusty spots on the frame. I replaced the trans mount (just because "Why not? It's old and I have access") with a cheapo Made in China mount and it lasted about 3 years before I started getting the same problem you're describing. I replaced it with a Mopar Made in Canada mount which was about $130 at the time, now it's discontinued. Still doing fine 5 years on.

I think the Mopar mount is discontinued. If I hade to replace it again, it would be with a Daystar urethane mount.
 
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Looking at the rubber mount, it looks like the top and bottom have separated. These two distances should be equal:
IMG_8058.jpeg


Sorry for the poor quality mark-up. I’m working off my phone.
 
Quick follow up in case someone else stumbles on this thread.
I replaced trans mount first. Looked pretty chewed up figured that was problem: Went for test drive and still banged around like crazy, had to pull off road to slow her from shaking. Replaced motor mounts. Passenger side MM was easy. Bolt on driver side couldn’t be removed due to contact with AC. Ended up cutting that bolt and replacing with a new one. Just flipped the bolt and came in from other side, plenty of room. Test drove after that and jeep is running great. Not sure if it was a bad motor mount or a problem of old rubber and new but by changing all 3 it drives great again

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I went from poly to anchor,it was a big difference! Dash vibrated badly at idle.

It was still shaking so bad after I changed the transmission mount. At that point I thought for sure I was chasing wrong problem Changed the MM's and it's running great. Had a buddy with me for test drive that was like "WTF was that". Crazy what a difference they made. Looking at the old mounts couldn't see anything visibly different but back to driving like it's supposed to.
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator