Lower radiator support tie bar replacement??
#1
Lower radiator support tie bar replacement??
I was poking around my '05 and noticed the lower radiator support was pretty much completely rotted away. The radiator is just secured by the upper now.
The part isn't too expensive but I don't know how the heck to change it. There are two "body support rails" that come from the inner fender well and enter into each side which prevents me from just unbolting the old one and putting the new one on (at least not without cutting which I am considering). In order to remove one of the body support rails, it looks like a ton of parts have to come off including body to frame mount bolts.
Anybody do this?
The part isn't too expensive but I don't know how the heck to change it. There are two "body support rails" that come from the inner fender well and enter into each side which prevents me from just unbolting the old one and putting the new one on (at least not without cutting which I am considering). In order to remove one of the body support rails, it looks like a ton of parts have to come off including body to frame mount bolts.
Anybody do this?
#2
Yep, common problem. A few have changed them out. I'm sure they will chime in. Here's a good thread with pics.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...ff-so-umm.html
Search function is a wonderful thing.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...ff-so-umm.html
Search function is a wonderful thing.
#3
I wouldn't say wonderful, since it didn't find anything for me but you knew what you were looking for. Thanks.
It looks like a stupid design and I will have to break out the Lincoln Mig and figure something out. No biggie, this will be the second time I used the Mig to repair rot on this truck in the last month.....
It looks like a stupid design and I will have to break out the Lincoln Mig and figure something out. No biggie, this will be the second time I used the Mig to repair rot on this truck in the last month.....
#6
I couldnt get the OEM one to fit back in (Cut the old out with a grinder) I had to go have a Custom one made up. The Factory one is a Box That the Support Rails slide into. I have a C one made with thinker metal and no area for water to sit in it.
I have a brand new OEM one here, Painted in truck bed liner.
When I had everything apart I put on a nice think coat of Under coat on the Supports, Inside of the fenders, and Firewall
Old
I have a brand new OEM one here, Painted in truck bed liner.
When I had everything apart I put on a nice think coat of Under coat on the Supports, Inside of the fenders, and Firewall
Old
Last edited by Reject; 10-17-2013 at 05:19 PM.
#7
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#8
I found my new one VERY flimsy, hence why I didnt modify it.
#9
If you do get the replacement, after talking with my guy at the dealership, he said the easiest thing to do would be to cut the weld on the new one, bend out the ears to get it over the ends of the existing frame on the vehicle, pound them back into place, and either re-weld them back together, or get a reinforcing plate behind it, drill some holes and pretty much bolt it in place.
I like the work you did up there Reject, I need to redo mine, since my redneck hack job last spring. still holding strong, but looks like crap lol.
I like the work you did up there Reject, I need to redo mine, since my redneck hack job last spring. still holding strong, but looks like crap lol.
#10