Radiator support question

Hey guys I’m in the middle of putting another engine in my 94 idiot. I was going to take the radiator support out and repair it while doing the engine swap but I’m having issues getting the support out. So now I’m wondering if I should worry about repairing it or not. I have one bad spot that is on the right side and it goes to the area where it mounts to the frame. On this side I cannot get the bolt out. On the left side the bolts appers to have snapped off in the area where the nut goes and it is flush with the radiator support so this side may just pull out. Should I cut the bolt on the right side to get it off or not worry about repairing it? What are your thoughts?

Just my opinion, I'd remove and repair or replace the core support. Might even replace the rubber cushions with urethane. Easy removal tip for those bolts, use a sawzal to cut the bolts. Removing makes engine swap so much easier. Core support is important structural component. It not only supports the rad but also your entire front sheet metal (fenders, hood, grille, & two big honkin batteries). Paint the crap out of the repair area to help protect from corrosion.

catbird7 said:

Just my opinion, I'd remove and repair or replace the core support. Might even replace the rubber cushions with urethane. Easy removal tip for those bolts, use a sawzal to cut the bolts. Removing makes engine swap so much easier. Core support is important structural component. It not only supports the rad but also your entire front sheet metal (fenders, hood, grille, & two big honkin batteries). Paint the crap out of the repair area to help protect from corrosion.

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Thanks for the advice. Where are people getting new bushings and bolts? Do you know if a kit is sold?

The lower steel on the rad supports with 'drop' is quite heavy. Its easier to weld than body metal.

I believe the rad support bushings/bolts are included in body mount kits. Rockauto carries the energy suspension kit.

u2slow said:

The lower steel on the rad supports with 'drop' is quite heavy. Its easier to weld than body metal.

I believe the rad support bushings/bolts are included in body mount kits. Rockauto carries the energy suspension kit.

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Okay, sounds like I am taking it out. I also went ahead and order the es mount kit. They do sell a kit that comes with bolts but it's over $150 for that one. Since I only really need the radiator support bushings I did not get the kit that had bolts, so I will need to get some bolts and washer separately.

fix it, I had to cut my bolts, they thread into a captured nut/washer. I couldn't hold it still.
found my parts on amazon, I bought a full body mount kit, but they offer just core bushings

Most of the time the other bushings and bolts under the cab are junk also it's worth it to do them all, ride is better and cab to bed lineup is better with new bushings and hardware. Getting it all apart can be a pain. Sometimes it's better just bite the bullet cut it all off make new sleeves washers to go with the poly bushing.

J

Don’t forget the lube for the new bushings to prevent squeaking.

i got my core support mounting parts from Bronco graveyard.