Dodge Charger Automatic Transmission Mount: A Guide for 1980-1984 Models
Feeling vibrations or hearing clunks? Your Charger's transmission mount might be the culprit.
- For this vehicle, aftermarket is the only option as OEM parts are no longer available.
- Symptoms include clunking noises, cabin vibrations, and a rough feeling when shifting gears.
- Anchor is the primary budget-friendly brand available for this part.
- Ignoring a failed mount can cause damage to other components like CV axles and engine mounts.
Symptoms of a Failing Transmission Mount
A bad transmission mount on your front-wheel-drive Charger will make its presence known. The rubber cracks and wears out from age, heat, and stress, allowing the transmission to move more than it should. Look out for these common signs:
- Excessive Vibrations: This is often the first symptom. You'll feel a new or increased vibration in the cabin, through the steering wheel, or in the floor, especially when accelerating or when the car is idling in gear.
- Clunking or Banging Noises: Loud clunks, bangs, or thumps are common when you shift from park into drive or reverse. You might also hear these noises during hard acceleration or braking as the transmission shifts and hits the frame.
- Excessive Engine Movement: A worn mount allows the entire engine and transmission assembly to rock back and forth. While this can be hard to see yourself, a mechanic can easily spot it by power-braking the vehicle (holding the brake and applying a small amount of throttle in gear).
Potential for Other Damage
Ignoring a bad transmission mount can lead to other problems. The excessive movement can put stress on CV axles, exhaust components, and even the engine mounts, causing them to fail prematurely. It's a small part that prevents bigger, more expensive repairs.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Mount
For a vehicle from the early 1980s, finding original equipment (OEM) parts from Mopar is nearly impossible. They have long been discontinued. This means your only option is a new aftermarket part.
Anchor Industries is the primary brand available for this specific part. Here's what you need to know:
- Brand Reputation: Anchor is known as a budget-friendly, economy brand. Reviews are often mixed; some users find them to be a good value, while others have reported issues with the rubber being too hard, leading to more vibration, or poor fitment.
- The Only Choice: Given the age of the 1980-1984 Charger, Anchor is often the only available new replacement. While not considered a premium brand, it provides a cost-effective solution to get your vehicle back in working order.
Estimated Replacement Costs
Replacing the transmission mount is a relatively straightforward job. The part itself is inexpensive, and the labor is minimal for a professional mechanic.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Mount | $8 - $10 |
| Shop Labor | $100 - $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $108 - $210 |
Note: Costs are estimates and will vary based on your location and the specific repair shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a bad transmission mount?
You can, but it's not recommended for long. While the transmission is unlikely to fall out, the excessive movement can cause damage to other, more expensive parts like axles, hoses, and wiring. It's best to get it replaced as soon as you confirm it has failed.
Is this a difficult DIY job?
For a person with some mechanical experience and the right tools, this is a very feasible DIY project. The process involves safely jacking up the car, supporting the transmission with a separate jack and a block of wood, unbolting the old mount, and bolting the new one in place. It typically takes about one to two hours.
Will a new mount fix my car's vibration?
If the old mount was the cause, then yes, a new mount should significantly reduce or eliminate the vibration and clunking noises. However, vibrations can also be caused by bad engine mounts, worn tires, or other issues, so it's important to diagnose the problem correctly.
Are there any recalls for this part?
No. There are no recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) from the NHTSA related to the transmission mount for the 1980-1984 Dodge Charger.
Technical Specifications
Vehicle-specific OEM part numbers for the 1980-1984 Dodge Charger are not readily available in public databases due to the vehicle's age. The aftermarket replacement is Anchor 2399.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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