Loading...

American Motors Matador Transmission Mounts

American Motors Matador Transmission mounts

Transmission mounts for your American Motors Matador start at $6.95, and AutoBuffy stocks 10 options from DEA, Anchor, and Westar. The transmission mount bolts the transmission to the vehicle's frame or subframe, absorbing vibration and keeping the drivetrain aligned. When it fails, you get harsh clunks, vibration, and drivetrain misalignment that can accelerate wear on surrounding components.

Signs your American Motors Matador needs a new transmission mount

  • Loud clunk or thud when shifting into drive or reverse, especially from a cold start
  • Excessive vibration felt through the floor, shifter, or seat at idle or under acceleration
  • Visible transmission movement or rocking when you rev the engine with the hood open
  • Transmission feels like it shifts with a jolt rather than a smooth engagement
  • Knocking or banging noise when accelerating hard or releasing the throttle quickly
  • Cracked, collapsed, or oil-soaked rubber visible on the mount when inspected from underneath

Which transmission mount should you buy for your American Motors Matador?

The main decision is whether you want a direct OE-style rubber mount for quiet daily driving or a stiffer performance mount that reduces drivetrain movement at the cost of more cabin vibration. Westar is a specialist mount manufacturer widely regarded for strong fitment and value on engine and transmission mounts, making them a dependable choice for everyday replacements. Also confirm whether your American Motors Matador uses a single transmission mount or a rear mount combined with a crossmember mount, since both may need replacement at the same time.

OE-Replacement Rubber Mount
Best for
Daily drivers, comfort-focused builds
What you get
Factory-matched durometer, quiet ride, direct bolt-in fitment
Heavy-Duty Rubber Mount
Best for
Trucks, tow vehicles, high-mileage platforms
What you get
Thicker rubber, higher load rating, longer service life under stress
Polyurethane Mount
Best for
Enthusiast or performance builds
What you get
Firmer feel, reduced drivetrain slop, more vibration transmitted to cabin
Mount with Integrated Crossmember Bracket
Best for
Vehicles where mount and crossmember are replaced as a unit
What you get
Complete assembly, eliminates need to reuse worn hardware, faster install

Transmission mounts brands we stock for your American Motors Matador

DEA
4 options · from $6.95
Anchor
3 options · from $7.95
Westar
3 options · from $6.95

Replacing the transmission mount on a American Motors Matador

Moderate⏱ 1–2 hoursFloor jack and jack standsBreaker bar and socket setCombination wrench setPenetrating oil (for corroded hardware)Transmission jack or block of wood to support the transmission

Support the transmission with a jack before removing the old mount so the transmission does not drop when the mount bolts are loosened. Remove the crossmember or mount bracket bolts, swap in the new mount, and snug all fasteners before fully torquing them with the transmission resting naturally in position. Torque specifications vary by vehicle, so consult your American Motors Matador service manual or the mount manufacturer's instructions for the correct values.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace transmission mounts on a American Motors Matador?
Parts start at $6.95 for a single transmission mount for your American Motors Matador. Most DIY installs require only basic hand tools and take one to two hours. Shop labor typically adds one to two hours of labor time on top of the part cost, though accessibility varies significantly by drivetrain layout and vehicle design.
Can I drive my American Motors Matador with a bad transmission mount?
You can drive short distances, but it is not advisable. A failed transmission mount allows the transmission to shift position under load, which puts stress on the driveshaft, CV axles, and transmission cooler lines. Continued driving risks damaging those connected components, turning a straightforward mount replacement into a more expensive repair.
How long do transmission mounts last on a American Motors Matador?
Transmission mounts typically last anywhere from 60,000 to over 150,000 miles depending on driving conditions, mount material, and whether the vehicle is used for towing or frequent hard acceleration. Mounts on trucks and vehicles that tow regularly tend to wear faster due to the constant load cycling placed on the rubber.
Should I replace all transmission mounts at the same time on my American Motors Matador?
If your American Motors Matador has more than one transmission or drivetrain mount and one has failed, it is generally good practice to inspect all of them and replace any that show cracking, collapsing, or significant deterioration. Mounts age at similar rates, and replacing them together saves labor time and prevents a second repair shortly after the first.
Is a transmission mount the same as a motor mount on a American Motors Matador?
No. Motor mounts secure the engine to the frame, while the transmission mount secures the transmission separately, usually at the rear of the gearbox. They work together as a system, so symptoms like clunking and vibration can come from either. Inspecting both at the same time helps identify which mount or mounts are actually at fault.
Will a new transmission mount stop the clunking noise on my American Motors Matador?
If the clunk happens specifically when shifting into gear or during throttle transitions, a worn transmission mount is a likely cause and replacing it often resolves the noise. However, similar clunking can also come from worn motor mounts, driveshaft U-joints, or CV axles, so confirming visible mount damage before replacing is the right first step.

Shop transmission mounts by year for the American Motors Matador

19781977197619751974197319721971

Other Transmission for your American Motors Matador

Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler(9)Transmission Filter Kit(8)Automatic Transmission Bushing(8)Automatic Transmission Oil Pump Seal(6)Automatic Transmission Overhaul Kit(5)Automatic Transmission Band(4)Transmission Oil Pan Gasket(4)Transmission Clutch Friction Plate(4)

Transmission mounts for other American Motors models

American Motors AmbassadorAmerican Motors AmericanAmerican Motors AMXAmerican Motors ClassicAmerican Motors ConcordAmerican Motors EagleAmerican Motors GremlinAmerican Motors HornetAmerican Motors JavelinAmerican Motors MarlinAmerican Motors PacerAmerican Motors Rambler