I'm going to swap drivetrains between a low-mileage but rusty 240 and a high-mileage but clean one. Same year cars w/ AT, non-ABS, non-SRS.

Usually I just swap the motor and trans but in this case I want all of the parts from the donor car (I'll swap the rear axle too).

Seems easiest to drop the cradles and then just re-install them - The cradle contains steering, brakes, suspension etc - all of which I want from the donor car. I've dropped the powerplant on a cradle many times before but never put one back in.

Of course I'll disconnect relevant hoses, lines, wires, etc. Two no three questions about the procedure:

1. Any alignment issues in bolting the cradle to the recipient car? I don't see any shims or looseness that would require alignment but the cradle does contain the wheels so presumably alignment with the body is a concern. Tighten the cradle 1st, then the strut assemblies?

2. Strut assemblies: I will mark each car (on the tower) and then install to those marks. Or would it be better to fit the struts in loosely, put weight on the front and then tighten?

Another strategy would be to install cradle, struts, rear A arms and trans mounts loosely; then put weight on it; then tighten everything in some sequence - and perhaps bouncing/ rolling the car part way through. This rather than installing the cradle & tightening it; then struts and tightening; then trans mount.

3. To keep the AC intact, I plan to unbolt the compressor and leave it with the original car. I think it can be pulled out of the way to let the cradle w/ powerplant drop.

Am I missing anything in the process? Anything that will hang up? Mainly I'm concerned about the alignment/ orientation of the front suspension to the body.

While the cradle is out I'll inspect/ replace motor mounts, exhaust/ intake manifold gaskets. I'll replace CPS, rear trans seal. Anything else you recommend?

Should I swap ECUs? I tend to think that time (or manufacturing variation if you will) rather than miles is what causes failures.

I'll be working on a rack so the actual removal and reinstall won't be difficult. The biggest challenge will be moving the powertrain and wheel-less donor car around in my shop.
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a few 1985-92 240s & 245s - parts cars & drivers