Anyone ever crack a rad support

[Byrd91]

After wheeling last weekend, I developed a new creeking noise in the front end. Upon inspection the only thing I can find is a crack in the rad support, passenger side, near the bodymount. The rad support was aftermarket, new last summer when me and my dad redid the front end of the Explorer(we picked it up wrecked), so I was surprised by the crack. Should I take it to a shop and have it welded up, reinforced and welded, or am I screwed.....Any suggestions would be great.

 

[tenikiwon]

Because I'm dumb and couldn't figure out how the drop brackets for for my body lift I don't have anything on the bottom and haven't had problems yet. Although before I start beating on it again, I'm going to get them on.

Is yours stock still? Is it the support on the body or on the radiator? If it's the body I would try and weld something to the frame. It's tight corners but might be easier to do than the body.

Got pics?

 

[Byrd91]

The crack is in the rad support near were the rad support bolts to the body, I'll get pics when I get my camera back. Hopefully I can get it welded.

 

[tenikiwon]

Draw on this pic if it helps. Sorry it's HUGE

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[Byrd91]

I couldn't really see the area in your pic....here's a sketch.

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Maybe this will help....I'm hoping I can just grind the area flush and get a piece of plate in there and weld 'er up.

 

[tenikiwon]

Sorry, didn't see you had a 1st GEN.