You don't have to align them, but you may not be happy with the results.

 

Well I don't want to not be happy with results right? I'll have to do it properly if I decide to go ahead with it. I'll let you know if I do them myself and if I !@#$% it up. lolz.

 

If you are already replacing the mounts, it'll take an extra couple of minutes (varies by how quickly you can get the alignment correct) to align them. It's when you go back after you install them that you spend some time because you have to undo things to be able to align them.

 

just replaced the upper on my 03 sxt, no huge problem. I just marked out where the existing bolt on the bracket above the wheel was, then jacked the engine up like Darth says too until the other bolt lines up and you can turn finger tight. I alternated between the two until torqued properly. Think I need to do the one on the drivers side wheres that info?

 

What one? There's three mounts on the driver's side.

 

I changed my torque struts a few months back and did not have to jack the engine up or move it at all. Just unbolted the old ones and put the new ones on. I need to do the motor mount and trans mount though.

 

Darth? Where are the 3 on the dr side?? I know the one in the middle, where are the others?? Some noise was fixed with the top torque strut on the passenger side, still getting a grinding type noise on the dr side only during acceleration, not the wheel bearing, sounds like right where the tranny mount is. Need those other 2 locations to double check and verify. Thanks Brother

 

There's the top and bottom torque strut mounts and the center motor mount.

 

Think you meant 3 on Pass side, finally got that link to the FSM downloaded and copied to my external drive, won't have to deal with that crap again. There's the one on the frame rail on the dr side, lists as left mount (engine I assume). Going to replace that and the lower torque/pencil strut as well.

 

Yes, I did. Thanks.

The pencil strut is just a metal bar. It's nothing that needs to be replaced unless it gets bent...or rusts out I suppose.