Drive Axles, Bearings and Joints: Adjustments

If the vertical bolts on both engine mounts have been loosened, or vehicle has experienced front structural damage, driveshaft length must be checked.
The engine mounts incorporate slotted bolt holes to permit side-to-side positioning of the engine, thereby affecting length of driveshaft. To check driveshaft length proceed as follows.

Fig. 10 Measuring driveshaft. 1983---85:

Fig. 16 Left engine mount adjustment. 1984---87:

1983---87
1. Position vehicle with wheels straight ahead and body weight distributed on all 4 tires.
2. Measure direct distance between inner edge of outboard boot to inner edge of inboard boot on both driveshafts. On 1983 models equipped with 4-105 engine and manual transaxle, measure from outer edge of inboard flange.
3. Driveshaft length must be within specifications. If measurement is not within specifications, engine position must be corrected as follows:
a. Remove load from engine mounts by carefully supporting engine and transaxle assembly with a suitable jack.
b. Loosen right and left engine mount vertical bolts (1984---87 models, right only) and front engine mount bracket-to-crossmember attaching bolts.
c. Pry engine to right or left as necessary to bring driveshaft length within specifications. On 1984---87 models, left engine mount is sleeved over long support bolt and shaft, to provide lateral adjustment whether or not engine weight is removed.
d. Torque engine mount vertical bolts to 250 inch lbs. and front engine mount bolts to 40 ft-lbs.
e. On 1984---87 models, center left engine mount.