Upgrading vs. Replacing Motor Mounts in Your Cummins Swap

When planning a Cummins engine swap—whether into a Ford Super Duty, a Chevy pickup, or even a Dodge chassis—motor mounts are often overlooked in favour of big-ticket items like adapter plates or wiring harnesses. But choosing between replacing old mounts and upgrading to performance-grade versions can significantly affect your build's reliability, drivability, and longevity.

So, should you stick with stock-style replacements or invest in upgraded mounts? Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.

Replacement Mounts: A Budget-Friendly Fix

Motor mount replacement usually means sourcing OEM-style rubber mounts that replicate what the factory provided. If you're doing a basic swap and don't plan to add major horsepower or torque, these mounts can work—especially for a daily driver or lightly used vehicle.

Pros of Replacement Mounts:

  • Cost-effective

  • Easy to install with minimal fabrication

  • Designed to reduce engine vibration and noise

Cons:

  • May wear out quickly under high torque

  • Less suitable for off-road or performance applications

  • Can fail under the weight and vibration of a Cummins diesel

Rubber mounts may be ideal for a mild Cummins swap, but in most cases, they won’t offer the durability or stability needed for high-powered builds or demanding environments.

Upgraded Motor Mounts: Built for Performance

Upgraded motor mounts—especially those engineered specifically for Cummins conversions—are typically made from CNC laser-cut steel and come with heavy-duty isolators (often poly or high-durometer rubber). They’re designed to handle the Cummins engine’s weight, torque, and vibration.

Benefits of Upgraded Mounts:

  • Increased strength and rigidity

  • Reduced engine movement under load

  • Longer service life under extreme conditions

  • Better fitment and clearance in tight engine bays

  • Often includes precise engineering for bolt-in installation

Some upgraded kits even reposition the engine 2.5" back to accommodate a mechanical fan or improve driveshaft angles—something stock-style mounts simply can’t do.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you're building a trail rig, tow rig, or high-performance Cummins swap, upgraded motor mounts are worth the investment. They’ll save you from issues like cracked frames, misaligned drivetrains, or early mount failure. For low-budget, daily-driven swaps, replacements may suffice—but don’t expect long-term durability under stress.

Conclusion

In a Cummins swap, motor mounts are more than just supports—they’re critical to performance and longevity. Upgrading ensures your build stays tight, smooth, and reliable no matter what you throw at it.

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