Radiator support rusted out, need advice!

[Webster3]

My radiator support is all rusted pretty badly. It looked at first that the support was just along the bottom, connected to the body mounts and such. I called Ford and they told me the piece actually surrounds the entire radiator as well. Well, that changes things... I don't think I can do this on my own.

The part is $202 brand new, and I can check junk yards I guess for used ones in good shape but my real concern is labor. Has anyone seen this issue before and how did you deal with it?

Thanks!

Ed

 

[Webster3]

Any ideas?

 

[bikerboy4lif]

it's not that hard too do yourself. i hepled my friend change the rad support in a 97 chevy truck. just start unbolting everything, fenders and the two body support botls it it comes right out. you might have to drian the A/C rad tho. we did on the chevy. It only took one whole day to change the rad support, bumper, and fender on that chevy, so a explorer should be about the same.

 

[Byrd91]

Explorers is welded in though, you'll have to cut it out and weld the new one in. Probably a little harder than the Chevy if you're not a welder.

 

[ExplorerMike]

Dude , check with Cory at Fordpartsnetwork.com. I believe they have the core support for less than $ 100.Then all you have to do is cut out yours and weld in the new one, instead of cutting out 2. Also do a search on this site and you will find a write up about the whole procedure. Good luck ,Mike

 

[Webster3]

There is a write up on this? Cool, I'll do a search but if anyone finds it please point the way for me.

I'm not a welder, but if I can arrange to do the procedure while my father is up here in NJ some time he can do it for sure. He's a retired welder... a master.

Anyway, thanks for the help on this guys... I'm in for a big job one way or another but as always the folks on this board make it less of a mystery.

I welcome anymore advice or tips on this procedure... thanks again!

Ed

 

[Webster3]

Found the thread.

Wow, that's some job. I also don't have the tools to do it. Hmmm, I may have to get some help with this one when i do it.

Ed