So I am going to replace the radiator core support in my '92 F150 as the support has entirely rotted away from both front body mounts.

I calculated from LMC and for all mounts/bolts/hardware to do this it came out to $177, without shipping included. I can find the core support online for $156 free shipping, but $177 for all the hardware is crazy. Those who have done this before, where did you order all of your hardware from? Is it really necessary to replace the two frame body mounts as well? Or just the bushings and bolts?

 

I replaced everything, it's nice to have new stuff to work with. You will also find, when you get everythimg apart, the centers of the frame mounts are gone too. I have seen a kit for this, but I didn't use it, I just welded in large washers.

 

I think I will just replace everything. I want to get this done before winter so I'll just buy everything over time. As soon as I get my second job I'll be getting a little more $$$ to use for this project. Did you paint/undercoat your core support?

- I totally just realized I posted this in the wrong forum. It should have been in the '87-'96 forum. Oops!

 

I cleaned off the e-coat, then primed it, then painted it black. I did not use undercoat. I also hung new fenders, and gave them the same treatment. when you put it all back together, leave everything a little loose, and that way you can shift things around. You can leave the hood on, that gives a starting point. after you have everything so it's squared up, then fasten down the 2 bolts through the core support. take your time.put masking tape on the corners while you are shifting things around, to keep from tearing up your new paint. make sure to remove the masking tape before the sun bakes it on, it can be a real bear to remove then.

Probably Chris won't mind where you posted, because the core supports are similar between the 2 trucks.

 

Exactly... the two trucks are similar enough in this area - if not exactly the same - that there's really no point in moving the thread to the 87+ forum, there are guys here who know this stuff, too.

 

Ok I just wanted to make sure. I'm going to start buying things as I go.. and hopefully have everything I need within the month to get started on this.

 

Just ordered all mounts/bushings etc. today. I'll have to wait a little bit to save up some more money for the core support, and then I will begin this project.

 

Just remember when you get the new support, all the capture nuts have to come off your old one, so don't throw it away until the new one is there

 

Thanks for telling me that, otherwise I'm sure I would have forgotten!

 

So, I have all of the hardware, and mounts etc. Just waiting a little bit for my next paycheck to order the core support. What should I use to rust-proof everything? I was thinking Rust Bullet BlackShell. What have some of you used? I was thinking something easy like spray can rustoleum but I don't think that it will really work that well exposed to road salt and Minnesota winters.

 

2 months later... I finally had the radiator support replaced! I ordered the aftermarket support on eBay for around $150~ and I paid around the same for all of the bolts, bushings, etc. from LMC. I had this done at the regular shop I go to in town for $276. (I don't have any power tools) They had to do a little bit of modifying, drilling some holes larger, getting some new retainer clips, etc. since the aftermarket support was slightly different than the stock OEM support.

Rust proofed: (before going into the truck)



And also, a couple "before" pics of the rotted out support.

Passenger side: (completely rusted away from frame mount)



Driver side: (also completely separated from frame mount)





My truck definitely rides 100 times better now that the new support is in. Before, I could lift the body up off the frame in the front, and the rotted out support would just slam up and down on the frame over every bump, crack in the road etc.

 

Plus now your hood stays closed. Good job

 

Yeah that's for sure! haha. I can take some "After" pics tomorrow when I get off of work. Have to re-align the bumper, cause when I last aligned it, it was aligned with the un-level front end of the truck. Now it sits dead level with the new support in!