Bought replacement engine mounts and the trans mount for my 91 cherokee xj. About to start replacing them today. Which should I do first? Trans mount or engine mounts? Does it matter? I assume it doesn't matter which I do first right?

Also, should I keep the 4 transmission mount bolts a little loose so I can lift my motor enough to do my engine mounts?

Thanks for any advice.

 

Be damn careful with those freaking cross-member studs (assuming the 91 uses the same as my 95). Mine snapped off with what I'd consider 'light' force using a standard 1/2" ratchet. Drilling them out was a nightmare and a half.
I'd have used heat (with care around the drivers side where the fuel line runs) had I any idea what a PITA I was in for before even touching them.

I think my P.O. waaaaaaaaay over-tightened them. The FSM calls for something like 150 INCH/lbs (slightly over 12 ft/lbs) on those nuts.

As far as the mounts go. I'd do the tranny first and leave it a little loose as you are thinking. However I've never had to do motor mounts (yet) so I'm totally speculating.

 

I would do the engine mounts first. If the trans mount is old it most likely has enough flex in it already.

Side note to the engine mounts, I would not put the stock design back in any of my jeeps after my experience with the ones from Rustys. The stock design mounts taken out of my 96 where not origionals so they have less than 120k on them. They allowed for a crazy amount of side to side engine movement while running down the highway in 5th. Normally I wouldn't have noticed but with a supercharger through the hood I couldn't not see it. 0.02

 

I recommend soaking in PB blaster while enjoying a cold one and then do the engine first to give the trans more time to soak. Good luck, its an easy job as long as bolts like to cooperate