The video helped tremendously with a job that ain't a whole lot of fun. I watched it twice before tackling it with a friend who is a full time mechanic. Total time was 5 hours with two of us working together. Hardest part was torching the nuts off the cab mount bushing. We had no left over parts and the only speed nuts I had to trash were the ones holding the fender liner to the support. Thanks for the video !
I have a 1994 F-150, 4.9 engine, live in the Northeast so rust is a big problem. This video is the best I have seen for replacing the Radiator support. 10 hours is a very reasonable amount of time as said in the video. If you have a lot of rust, you might want to add a few hours! I also did the water pump and fan clutch so all and all big job! Thank you Wesley!
My biggest problem, still finishing it up, all the lower bolts and speed nuts were rusted away, 5/16 20's are what I thought but these are just not available. Save as many of these as possible when doing this! Also I bought my radiator support from Auto Parts Warehouse, $193 w/free shipping, but it didn't fit well, and many of the tapped holes needed to be re-tapped, I hope this helps the next person!
Thanks for the video I'm doing the same thing on my truck 95 F150 and I having some frame issues also I got to do some welding my steering wheel is upside down I haven't found that problem yet I'm working on it but anyway thanks for the video
also, I dont mean to hijack your spot here, but did you end up putting the body mount bushings on the rest of the truck? I have the exact same bushing kit heading my way... the body bushings actually look ok, and wonder if the poly give a harsher feel in the cab.
good job; i now feel confident in doing mine when it's time. p.s. even though you do a good job of keeping the camera steady, your life would be better with a tripod. since this vid is 4 years old, maybe you have one by now.
Thank you. To be honest, I actually don't. Never could find one to suit me, and I usually am moving and explaining things; but there's times a tripod would be handy.
This might seem like a stupid question, but what are those metal panels behind the core support and behind the lights that are left when you take the core support out? I can't find the name of it and I need to find the part. thanks
I understand everything you explained on the radiator support, but I still do not not understand the purpose of the lobster claw shim. I bought some of these from Bronco Graveyard, but not sure the purpose. I am just about done and will never go thru this again. My mechanic quoted $600 for just the labor and would be well worth it. Good job on the video! Dave
Awesome video! I just discovered I need to do this to my truck as I am restoring it. Mine is a 1994. I hope I can stay as calm and cool as you are doing. LOL I will be making a vid of it as well, as I have a whole series of vids for the restore I am doing.. taking a lot longer than I ever thought, just dont have the time. I hope I can re-use the metal parts. I need to watch again, but did you say you had to drill some holes for the a/c condenser? 10hrs huh... Man, Im just not looking forward to doing this. I was thinking of painting mine the color of my truck, but it looks like its going to get pretty marred up putting it in? How do you like the bushings? Look like the same brand I just ordered last night. I plan on doing all the cab bushings also...but maybe not. LOL if you have put those in, is it a lot stiffer than the old rubber? Again, great video and if you have any other tips on doing this please let me know, or if you want to come do it for me that would work too. LOL
Thanks! After looking back, it wouldn't take me ~10 hours to replace a Support Brace now. It was just that it was my first time, and I was wanting to make sure I didn't screw up. total time for a replacement now, would definantly be in an evening. (4-6 hours) If you're careful, you'll not hurt the paint. Bushings: The Poly bushings are working just fine. No issues there. AC Condenser: The hole were fine as is. Just needed a small drill bit to pop 2 new holes in the support brace and boom. It was overwith. Cab Bushings: I haven't gotten to them yet; But be warned: the OEM ones have a metal sleeve in the center that is ~$80/ each from Ford, if you can find them. LMC Truck (Mostly junk) doesn't carry it. So try to not bork them up, and you'll be money/time ahead.
There are several shims mentioned. Is there a certain amount of preload to tighten the nut on top of the stack of parts. Is it just a snug fit or do you squash the rubber to a certain extent? I am not sure how these shims (if it even needs shims) to make a good installation. very well
Question.... I got the big bushing mount nuts off, but what's the trick to getting the darn books out? Should they just pound out? I have pounded them a little with no luck, and I can't turn the bolt from underneath..... maybe if I keep my impact Hittin em but thought I would ask how they should come out before I really put some force to em..... this is not a fun job that's for certain, but will get it done one way or another.
Edit: I just re-read your question. YES...A BFH will relieve some tension, and force those bolts out. I'd almost guarantee the 2 frame braces are rotted out like mine were. So yeah, get a socket, a ton of extensions, and a BFH. Trust me, if you're already replacing the support brace/ Bushings...$5 in bolts isn't your biggest issue. Mine was so rusty and rotted out, that they literally came out at a 45* angle from what they should've. I will say, put a wrench up top on the nut, and just use a big ol' breaker bar and possibly a cheater pipe to give you the leverage to either: A) MAKE the bolt turn, and unthread Or B) Break the thing off, and remove it in 2 pieces. _________________________________________________________ I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend PB Blaster applied to the bolts extremely liberally, 1-2 times per day, about 4 days ahead of time. It'll make your life a LOT easier.
Wesley Cole thanks, I was hoping I would catch you online! So I should be able to just pound them down through? I don't believe my brackets are rusted out like yours were at least from what I can see.if they are I might buy new ones, or how did your welding a washer in trick work for ya? I'm sitting in the house taking a break and can't get the drive you head back down to my shop quite yet....but will...might be an all nighter LOL....tomorrow I have to work on my daughter's car do would like to get this done...although...don't have my new bushings yet.....argh. Hope I don't need to do this for another 20 years... I'm practically building a new truck with everything I've fixed and replaced. I'm hoping to finish up bodywork and get her painted within the next month...didn't forsee this fun filled job with the radiator support.....
Wesley Cole wait....does the bolt thread into anything besides the nut on top? I have the nuts off, so if I'm reading right, they should just pound through? I imaging inside there they may be kinda rust welded together or something.
You can try turning them lefthandedly, to try to loosen them up; But there's nothing but a mount (That has 0 threads) 2 bushings, and some spacers,e tc. So yeah, go on and bash around on them. If you have a small propane torch, try burning the bushings out
Hey, well I got lucky, my brackets are fully intact and look perfect! Still can't get the big bolts out although the right one is almost out......got the bushing out of it, May have to cut the bolt out, I dunno. Been working on my daughter's car and now taking a break. I may end up destroying the bolts...do you remember what size and length the ones you got are? I'm getting the same Energy Suspension bushings (hopefully they come tomorrow)... so will be doing just like you showed. I did have one difference.... I had the thick spacer washer, but don't have the lobster claw space on either side. Passenger side had 3 big round thin washers and the drivers side had two, then a square spacer with kind of a key hole in the center of it. Mines a 94, don't know if things changed or what. I bought the truck new so I know it's never been apart before. Who knows.....
You're lucky, because those metal mounts are welded in. As for the bolt size, I can't remember right off hand. Will have to go play with sockets and verify the size (And add it into the video).
Do you remember the size and length of the bolts that you got...imagine I will put new washers in too while Im at it. What a pain this whole process is.
Wesley Cole alright man, thanks for your help... your video was a lot of help.... I'll put a link to it on my channel. My bid on this radiator support isn't going do well... I keep forgetting to shoot what I've done, and it's taking long enough I don't want to record everything.
also, you made a comment about a squeaky belt problem.. where are you from? I think the weather has a big effect on belts here in Iowa... I have had to go through 4 brand new belts before till I got one that didnt make noise, and i have talked to others who have done the same... I no longer buy belts from the parts store, I order them online and get goodyear gatorback belts.. they dont cost any more, or not much if they do.. and the construction of them allows them to grip the pully's better. I have had very good results with them and I wont use anything else...unless Im in a pinch.
+Wesley Cole you don't happen to still have a link do you. I've looks on eBay for exactly what you have for days and I'm not finding any that are quite the same
Cut them off and use a punch, or if you have a torch simply burn them out (even if you can only afford Propane instead of Acetylene it'll do the trick)
I wish you tube would cut out cursing or at least warn you so my kids didn't hear it while I'm trying to learn how to fix my truck. But thanks for the instructions.
Авто/Мото
Six years later I'm using this video as a reference. Much appreciated
Thank you for making this video. It's gonna help me replace the one in my 94 F-150.
The video helped tremendously with a job that ain't a whole lot of fun. I watched it twice before tackling it with a friend who is a full time mechanic. Total time was 5 hours with two of us working together. Hardest part was torching the nuts off the cab mount bushing. We had no left over parts and the only speed nuts I had to trash were the ones holding the fender liner to the support. Thanks for the video !
Good!
Wow, you just saved me a lot of time and aggravation- you do a GREAT job of explaining everything- much appreciated!
Thank you for the view and glad I could help!
Bout to tackle this job myself, thank for the tips! Awesome video
thank you so much!you couldn't believe how much you helped me out!!!
I have a 1994 F-150, 4.9 engine, live in the Northeast so rust is a big problem. This video is the best I have seen for replacing the Radiator support. 10 hours is a very reasonable amount of time as said in the video. If you have a lot of rust, you might want to add a few hours! I also did the water pump and fan clutch so all and all big job! Thank you Wesley!
Steve Johnson
Thanks for the comment and views!
I'm always open for more instructional video material to cover.
My biggest problem, still finishing it up, all the lower bolts and speed nuts were rusted away, 5/16 20's are what I thought but these are just not available. Save as many of these as possible when doing this! Also I bought my radiator support from Auto Parts Warehouse, $193 w/free shipping, but it didn't fit well, and many of the tapped holes needed to be re-tapped, I hope this helps the next person!
Awesome video, thanks for posting!
i needed this video to replace my core support ty
That's what it's there for!
I can replaced for ya
Great video!
You are a life saver with this vid. Thank you so much
Seems to be the general consensus.
Glad to help
Do you have any additional tips or anything I should be careful of or anything before I tackle this project this weekend?
Thank you. I am going to pull mine to make pulling the engine easier.
Thanks for the video I'm doing the same thing on my truck 95 F150 and I having some frame issues also I got to do some welding my steering wheel is upside down I haven't found that problem yet I'm working on it but anyway thanks for the video
also, I dont mean to hijack your spot here, but did you end up putting the body mount bushings on the rest of the truck? I have the exact same bushing kit heading my way... the body bushings actually look ok, and wonder if the poly give a harsher feel in the cab.
good job; i now feel confident in doing mine when it's time.
p.s. even though you do a good job of keeping the camera steady, your life would be better with a tripod. since this vid is 4 years old, maybe you have one by now.
Thank you.
To be honest, I actually don't.
Never could find one to suit me, and I usually am moving and explaining things; but there's times a tripod would be handy.
This might seem like a stupid question, but what are those metal panels behind the core support and behind the lights that are left when you take the core support out? I can't find the name of it and I need to find the part. thanks
Where did you get those marker lights, I have the same park and headlights as you but I don't have the matching marker lights.
Hey Wes the hood latch cable routed ?..
Thanks Pat
I understand everything you explained on the radiator support, but I still do not not understand the purpose of the lobster claw shim. I bought some of these from Bronco Graveyard, but not sure the purpose. I am just about done and will never go thru this again. My mechanic quoted $600 for just the labor and would be well worth it. Good job on the video! Dave
What size are the body mount bolts? I need to get those
Awesome video! I just discovered I need to do this to my truck as I am restoring it. Mine is a 1994. I hope I can stay as calm and cool as you are doing. LOL I will be making a vid of it as well, as I have a whole series of vids for the restore I am doing.. taking a lot longer than I ever thought, just dont have the time. I hope I can re-use the metal parts. I need to watch again, but did you say you had to drill some holes for the a/c condenser? 10hrs huh... Man, Im just not looking forward to doing this. I was thinking of painting mine the color of my truck, but it looks like its going to get pretty marred up putting it in? How do you like the bushings? Look like the same brand I just ordered last night. I plan on doing all the cab bushings also...but maybe not. LOL if you have put those in, is it a lot stiffer than the old rubber? Again, great video and if you have any other tips on doing this please let me know, or if you want to come do it for me that would work too. LOL
Thanks!
After looking back, it wouldn't take me ~10 hours to replace a Support Brace now. It was just that it was my first time, and I was wanting to make sure I didn't screw up. total time for a replacement now, would definantly be in an evening. (4-6 hours)
If you're careful, you'll not hurt the paint.
Bushings: The Poly bushings are working just fine. No issues there.
AC Condenser: The hole were fine as is. Just needed a small drill bit to pop 2 new holes in the support brace and boom. It was overwith.
Cab Bushings: I haven't gotten to them yet; But be warned: the OEM ones have a metal sleeve in the center that is ~$80/ each from Ford, if you can find them.
LMC Truck (Mostly junk) doesn't carry it. So try to not bork them up, and you'll be money/time ahead.
There are several shims mentioned. Is there a certain amount of preload to tighten the nut on top of the stack of parts. Is it just a snug fit or do you squash the rubber to a certain extent? I am not sure how these shims (if it even needs shims) to make a good installation.
very well
I just hand tightened the crap out of it
No real torque values, etc
Question.... I got the big bushing mount nuts off, but what's the trick to getting the darn books out? Should they just pound out? I have pounded them a little with no luck, and I can't turn the bolt from underneath..... maybe if I keep my impact Hittin em but thought I would ask how they should come out before I really put some force to em..... this is not a fun job that's for certain, but will get it done one way or another.
Edit:
I just re-read your question.
YES...A BFH will relieve some tension, and force those bolts out. I'd almost guarantee the 2 frame braces are rotted out like mine were.
So yeah, get a socket, a ton of extensions, and a BFH.
Trust me, if you're already replacing the support brace/ Bushings...$5 in bolts isn't your biggest issue.
Mine was so rusty and rotted out, that they literally came out at a 45* angle from what they should've.
I will say, put a wrench up top on the nut, and just use a big ol' breaker bar and possibly a cheater pipe to give you the leverage to either:
A) MAKE the bolt turn, and unthread
Or
B) Break the thing off, and remove it in 2 pieces.
_________________________________________________________
I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend PB Blaster applied to the bolts extremely liberally, 1-2 times per day, about 4 days ahead of time.
It'll make your life a LOT easier.
Wesley Cole thanks, I was hoping I would catch you online! So I should be able to just pound them down through? I don't believe my brackets are rusted out like yours were at least from what I can see.if they are I might buy new ones, or how did your welding a washer in trick work for ya? I'm sitting in the house taking a break and can't get the drive you head back down to my shop quite yet....but will...might be an all nighter LOL....tomorrow I have to work on my daughter's car do would like to get this done...although...don't have my new bushings yet.....argh. Hope I don't need to do this for another 20 years... I'm practically building a new truck with everything I've fixed and replaced. I'm hoping to finish up bodywork and get her painted within the next month...didn't forsee this fun filled job with the radiator support.....
Wesley Cole wait....does the bolt thread into anything besides the nut on top? I have the nuts off, so if I'm reading right, they should just pound through? I imaging inside there they may be kinda rust welded together or something.
You can try turning them lefthandedly, to try to loosen them up; But there's nothing but a mount (That has 0 threads) 2 bushings, and some spacers,e tc.
So yeah, go on and bash around on them.
If you have a small propane torch, try burning the bushings out
Wesley Cole gotchya.... thanks for answering.... I'm about ready to go knock those suckers outta there!
Hey, well I got lucky, my brackets are fully intact and look perfect! Still can't get the big bolts out although the right one is almost out......got the bushing out of it, May have to cut the bolt out, I dunno. Been working on my daughter's car and now taking a break. I may end up destroying the bolts...do you remember what size and length the ones you got are? I'm getting the same Energy Suspension bushings (hopefully they come tomorrow)... so will be doing just like you showed. I did have one difference.... I had the thick spacer washer, but don't have the lobster claw space on either side. Passenger side had 3 big round thin washers and the drivers side had two, then a square spacer with kind of a key hole in the center of it. Mines a 94, don't know if things changed or what. I bought the truck new so I know it's never been apart before. Who knows.....
You're lucky, because those metal mounts are welded in.
As for the bolt size, I can't remember right off hand. Will have to go play with sockets and verify the size (And add it into the video).
Do you remember the size and length of the bolts that you got...imagine I will put new washers in too while Im at it. What a pain this whole process is.
Wesley Cole alright man, thanks for your help... your video was a lot of help.... I'll put a link to it on my channel. My bid on this radiator support isn't going do well... I keep forgetting to shoot what I've done, and it's taking long enough I don't want to record everything.
Hey so radiator support braket ordered is the section that mounts to the frame on the new one or is it separate?
It's the 1 large piece in the video
also, you made a comment about a squeaky belt problem.. where are you from? I think the weather has a big effect on belts here in Iowa... I have had to go through 4 brand new belts before till I got one that didnt make noise, and i have talked to others who have done the same... I no longer buy belts from the parts store, I order them online and get goodyear gatorback belts.. they dont cost any more, or not much if they do.. and the construction of them allows them to grip the pully's better. I have had very good results with them and I wont use anything else...unless Im in a pinch.
I am in Eastern KY. I use Gates brand belts, but you're right...Lower temps do make the belt squeak a bit.
can you post an exact link to where you bought those parts, thanks
I want to say www.LMCtruck.com and www.Partsgeek.com
Can you tell me where that ground strap goes
One end goes to the Radiator Support, and the other to the Skid plate.
Where did you get those headlights?
ebay
+Wesley Cole you don't happen to still have a link do you. I've looks on eBay for exactly what you have for days and I'm not finding any that are quite the same
Sure don't
I think the company was VIP Motoz though?
+Wesley Cole appreciate it.
I HAVE HAD NO SUCCESS IN REMOVING THE BIG BOLTS HOLDING THE SUPPORT TO THE FRAME. I CAN NOT DRIVE THEM DOWN THU. THE BOLTS ARE IN BAD SHAPE.
Cut them off and use a punch, or if you have a torch simply burn them out (even if you can only afford Propane instead of Acetylene it'll do the trick)
I wish you tube would cut out cursing or at least warn you so my kids didn't hear it while I'm trying to learn how to fix my truck. But thanks for the instructions.
you should use grade 8 bolts