Hi,
My 89 f250 front body mounts are shot. I mean the part that they attach to is completely rotted away. (not the bracket on the frame, but the upper part above the body mount.)

It looks like it supports the radiator. Is there an easy fix for this?

What is the part called that the bushings are attached to? Should I go to a body shop or my usual mechanic? Anybody else ever have to replace this?

Sorry for so many questions, just trying to get things done before it starts getting cold around here.

Thanks,

 

sounds like the rad support is rotted out, just replace mine in the process of redoing my 90. not sure of price of a new one. mine was used and sitting in the back of and old truck in the woods. it is quite a job to do. if farming out the job id check with a body shop.

 

That is what it sounds like. I think I'll stop by and see my body shop budy. After looking at it some more, I think that I'd rather have somebody thats done this before to fix it. Aparently this has bee like this for a while. I use the truck for plowing, and wonder if I can get away with another season of plowing or is this somthing that really has to be taken care of right away?

 

that is your radiator support. as a plow truck, it is a toss up as to whether you do it now or not. if it was me, i would do it. i did my 88 5 years ago as soon as i noticed it .

 

What is the procedure to getting the old one out and a new one in?

It looks like the grill, headlights, radiator have to come out to be able to get at this thing. Any thoughts on the procedure on how to do this?

 

grill, headlights, batteries, fenders, hood, a/c, radiator, power steering cooler(if equipt). basically anything that bolts to it needs to be removed.

i got an aftermarket rad support for $235 compared to the dealers $480 when i did mine in spring 2001.
and make sure you specify the type of engine you have. there are different rad supports for the gas and diesel trucks.

 

I recently replaced one on our '90 ranger. Removed the grill, headlights, front bumper and trim panel below the grill. Disconnected the upper rad brackets and moved the rad back, but didn't need to disconnect the hoses(manual trans). Didn't need to remove the fenders either, just unbolted them at the top to allow a little elbow room. Hood was off anyway but the hood on the F150 doesn't require a prop stick so it should be fine left on. The rad support is welded in on the Ranger, and it could be the same for the F150... not sure. I cut out the old one and sparked up the Mig and welded the new replacement back in.. only took an afternoon and the new aftermarket piece was $100 at the Fender Factory here in Ottawa. Fit was great.

 

The rad support on the f150 is all bolted on. Mainly small sheet metal self-tappers. I replaced one on an 88 and did not remove the fenders. It took two of us about 6 hours. Not hard just a pain. Good luck.