Lower radiator support tie bar replacement??
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#13
I just replaced this support with one I purchased for from Amazon. (The steel on this replacement is not as thick as the OEM original.)
I cut off the original one using a thin cutting wheel on my angle grinder to remove it. I started by cutting a section out approx 3 1/2 to 4 inches near the center of the support so each half can slide toward the center of the truck for removal.
***Make sure you cut off the curved bottom of the supports so they do not hit and damage the radiator when sliding/hammering off.***
I cut the seams on both ends on the top of the replacement support, using the same thin cutoff wheel, approx 3 3/4 inches long and bent the resulting "tabs" up. (one side approx 90 degrees and one side a little less as you can angle the support a little when installing)
The new support can now easily be installed from the bottom. Fasten the bolts on the bottom and then bend the tabs and fasten the bolts on top. The seams that were cut can now be welded if you feel the need. (Since I do not have a welder I skipped this step.) I sprayed everything with some rust preventative oil for good measure. Seems to be pretty solid as is and the rad is now supported.
I did not have to remove any other parts to complete this repair.
I would highly recommend everyone check this lower support on their truck. (the cross support was completely missing on mine and I didn't really think to look at it until reading this post)
I cut off the original one using a thin cutting wheel on my angle grinder to remove it. I started by cutting a section out approx 3 1/2 to 4 inches near the center of the support so each half can slide toward the center of the truck for removal.
***Make sure you cut off the curved bottom of the supports so they do not hit and damage the radiator when sliding/hammering off.***
I cut the seams on both ends on the top of the replacement support, using the same thin cutoff wheel, approx 3 3/4 inches long and bent the resulting "tabs" up. (one side approx 90 degrees and one side a little less as you can angle the support a little when installing)
The new support can now easily be installed from the bottom. Fasten the bolts on the bottom and then bend the tabs and fasten the bolts on top. The seams that were cut can now be welded if you feel the need. (Since I do not have a welder I skipped this step.) I sprayed everything with some rust preventative oil for good measure. Seems to be pretty solid as is and the rad is now supported.
I did not have to remove any other parts to complete this repair.
I would highly recommend everyone check this lower support on their truck. (the cross support was completely missing on mine and I didn't really think to look at it until reading this post)