Fiero Engine Cradle

[mrgull]

I need to replace the engine cradle on my 4 cylinder 1984 fiero. Can this be done without pulling the engine and tranny?

[Old Lar]

Since the engine rests on the cradle, I don't see anyway you can remove the cradle to replace it without taking the engine with it when you take the old cradle out..

[ctesla]

Welcome to the forum gull,
unfortunately, Ole Lar is correct.
I have dropped a 'K'-frame before on a northstar cady(without removing eng/drvtrn assy), and even with a lift, a forklift (to support the engine/tranny), and thousands of dollars worth of Snap-On and Craftsman tools; I would NOT do it that way again.
honestly, with everything else out (and it isn't that much to disconnect, just time consuming), it is SO much easier to do ANY other maintenance while everything is laying out on the floor of the shop, before it goes back into the engine bay.
PLUS --- the cradle is technically supposed to be a "non"- maint. item.
has it cracked, or excessive rust, or what???
it cannot be salvaged/welded/plated, etc.???
I wish you luck, but if you decide to attempt it;
a lift, and if no forklift, some construction support posts (the adjustable ones used in supporting basement joints) to support the engine, because anything under there, if it slips is not only WAY DANGEROUS, but even if noone is under it; the cost of replacing all the torn electrical lines, fuel and coolant lines, etc.etc. will be way over the cost of dropping everything as one unit.
hope this helps,
ctesla
phoenix renovations

[bmcf]

Originally Posted by Old Lar

Since the engine rests on the cradle, I don't see anyway you can remove the cradle to replace it without taking the engine with it when you take the old cradle out..

Sorry guys, but technicaly it can be done. I dunno if it's easier or not than dropping the whole works.
The factory manual actually details the procedure. It basically involves an ajustable say, 2" x 2" square steel tube mounted between the drivers strut tower & the area above the battery. Two adjustable hooks are hung from this & connect to the engine lift brackets. The whole deal balances/centers the engine & tranny while the cradle is removed.

Again, I don't know which method would be easier & this method would require some fabrication skills.

[barnesd]

I would agree with ctesla. I have an 1984 SE and have had the cradle assembly out twice. The whole unit comes out complete with struts,drive train, engine, trans, exhaust, etc, depending on where you decide to disconnect. It is much easier to work on when out on the floor and from what I can remember only involves about a 1/2 day work. I had the cradle supported on the floor and jacked the car body off the cradle. Be careful not to forget any connections and remove with care.

['88 Dread GT]

Here's a pic of the first of 2 times I've had my engine dropped from my '88 GT. This one I had done by my uncle back in 1996 who worked at a Cadilac/Pontiac dealership at the time (lucky for me):


As you can see, the craddle holds just about everthing (that being the drivetrain) vital to the car. Seeing the engine is mounted to the craddle and the craddle in turn mounts to the car, i would think it would be more trouble than it's worth to just try and take the craddle out. Not to mention very risky! Good luck with your project

=-Dread