1990 F350 RADIATOR SUPPORT 7.3IDI SUPER COOLING.

Mrrusty

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Anyone know where I can find a 1990 F350 7.3idi radiator support with super cooling? or know what the best way is to repair this?
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catbird7

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I faced very similar conditions, my core support was rusted as well. Best solution obviously would be to find a southern or midwest rust free original (good luck), (the route I took) was to buy a new core support for the shorter rad an replace the lower "hoop" with the original large hoop. It's actually rather easy only requires drilling out a few spot welds.
 

ROCK HARVEY

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It’s super frustrating that nobody manufactures a replacement rad support for an 87-91 diesel with A/C. I’ve been watching the classifieds near me for 2-3 years now and haven’t been able to get a good one, so if I were you I’d probably attempt a repair on that one.

I’m considering buying the non-A/C core and radiator. I know others have swapped the whole front clip from a 92+ truck to get around this problem.
 

Mrrusty

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Thank you all I am looking at this one here
43-2863 Radiator Core Support Without Air Conditioning Diesel

From LMC ill get it ordered and post pics when its done!
 

IDIBRONCO

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Just so you're aware, this is made for what's called the "short, wide" radiator by us here. It was exclusive to trucks that didn't come out with A/C. Most of our trucks had A/C as an option and came with a "square" radiator. The radiator core on those is roughly square. Meaning close to the same measurements side to side and top to bottom. You can't mix up radiators and core supports. One won't bolt into the other. In fact, A/C and non A/c trucks even use different top radiator hoses although you can interchange those. They may use different lower hoses as well, but I'm not sure on that.
 

catbird7

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Yes, in fact I have photos somewhere. I'll have to dig...... There's no cutting, you simply drill spot welds and remove that bottom hoop ("U" shape} on the bottom.
 

catbird7

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I had a build thread for this truck (photo in sig). Pics would be in there.
 

catbird7

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This was only 10 years agol! Time flies!
 

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90Ford73

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This was only 10 years agol! Time flies!

So catbird7 you drill out the spot welds on the new one then weld your original hoop onto the new support, is that correct? The new rad support being for a diesel without AC right?

My core support is rusted out, and every other one I’ve seen is the same or worse. I can’t believe nobody has picked up the diesel AC supports for 87-91 after all these years.
 

IDIBRONCO

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They used to be sold new in the aftermarket. Like most things, the trucks got so old and the demand was relatively low so they stopped making them.
 

catbird7

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Yes, hit those bottom hoops with a wire wheel on your 4" grinder to reveal the spot welds. Using a spot weld cutter or a drill bit slightly larger than the weld, drill them out on both supports. Then re-attach the large bottom hoop to the new core support with a mig welder. I used seam sealer also to help seal the attachment points, then painted with rustoleum. It's a pretty easy job.
 

catbird7

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I think the new core support can be for even a gas engine. Someone can correct me on that if it's inaccurate.
 
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