So, we got this little cross-member that supports the bottom of our radiators... I heard a bad rattle the last couple days that led to me discovering that the dang thing rusted itself off completely! Groovy nuts I say.

I'm thinking that with a little minor fab work I could just make myself something out of metal to support the radiator.

My worry is, how safe is it to drive without having this bottom support?

Have any of you guys ran into this problem?

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Well, this is just dandy. Found the part to replace this and it's only $36 not bad, buuuut...I guess the only way to remove and install the new one is to take this thing off

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And I have no clue how to get it off...without removing the entire front bumper and fenders..... Any ideas?

 

Gotta remove the bumper.

 

very easy. just use PB Blaster

 

Ok, I get that part, but even after I do that, and undo the bolts holding it the frame, how to I slide it out and insert a new one? Been trying to find a youtube video, but so far no luck

 

sawzall?

 

I don't think youtube is allowed to show videos like that, need to search a different kind of website..

 

I'm starting to think this may be a good time to bust out my new MIG welder and see how well it works. For the time being tho, just so nothing gets worse, I think I'm just gonna get a piece of scrap metal rod lying around and just bolt it into the existing hanger until I can get to the Depot and get some angle iron or something...

I mean really, as long as it is supporting the radiator and I cut holes in whatever I make that match the one that rusted out, I should be good, right?

 

I had my front bumper and some rust in the wheel well fixed a few months ago and they found my radiator support was almost rusted through. Had them replace it at the same time as the other work so I can't help much with getting it off and on but you're not the only one who's had that rust.

Now I've got an exhaust leak and I'm sure it's either the pipe or muffler that's rusted a hole...

 

I had to have a Custom one Fabricated to get it to fit, The OEM wouldnt (still have it, painted in bed-liner) I had the Bumper off and Both fenders, Fenders are not needed to be removed tho

Here my replacement abit down the page, then there is more on the next pages to.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...-dakota-3.html

Few Pics