engine won't clear rad support-cut rather than remove?
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New User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: oxford, nc
engine won't clear rad support-cut rather than remove?
My 90 F-350 7.3 has a bad cylinder and is completely stripped & ready to pull.
Problem - my overhead hoist won't lift it high enough to clear the front radiator support. Even removing the tires won't give me enough to clear.
Rather than pulling fenders, liners and hood to remove the support, I'm thinking about simply cutting the support to allow engine removal out the front.
I did this before on a mercedes and had no problem welding the cut section back.
Before I do this, perhaps someone has a thought on this.
Is there any reason not to do this? Thanks!
Problem - my overhead hoist won't lift it high enough to clear the front radiator support. Even removing the tires won't give me enough to clear.
Rather than pulling fenders, liners and hood to remove the support, I'm thinking about simply cutting the support to allow engine removal out the front.
I did this before on a mercedes and had no problem welding the cut section back.
Before I do this, perhaps someone has a thought on this.
Is there any reason not to do this? Thanks!
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
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in my experience, it isn't all that hard to pull off the core support in one piece. it unbolts from the fenders and everything else relatively easily.
the problem with the cut-and-weld method is that you're likely to open up some new can of worms you may not want to get into, such as heat damage to that wire harness you didn't see on the backside of where you're welding....
the problem with the cut-and-weld method is that you're likely to open up some new can of worms you may not want to get into, such as heat damage to that wire harness you didn't see on the backside of where you're welding....
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New User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: oxford, nc
Thanks for quick response but...
I'm wondering if unbolting the radiator support and removing won't damage fenders or liners supporting themselves only from the rear without the support. All wiring is removed so that is no problem. I guess I could put blocks on the tires to support the fender liners which would help, but my hacksaw is tuned up and ready for business unless...
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New User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: oxford, nc
I guess I'll put the hacksaw back in the drawer
Near 100 and humid, I tend to look for an easier way - I guess I will bite the bullet and get the socket set out and pull some more bolts. Thanks for your input - out in the sticks on a farm, it's hard to get advice from anyone who might know the best way. This forum is a god-send.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 950
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From: West Bend
Yeah I'd vote remove the core support. As I recall it's only about 5 bolts per fender and the 2 body mounts on the bottom to get it out. The fenders will support themselves from the cab w/o any issues (I'm assuming you've pulled the batteries out anyways) so there's no need to cut blocks to support them via the wheels etc.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,123
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From: Fort Worth, TX
I'm with these guys. It isn't hard to remove the core support by unbolting it. I plan on some day swapping a good one into my truck. Someone must have hit something in the front and cracked the upper core support. They "fixed" it by using sheet metal screws through angle iron. It was a ****ty fix to begin with and the screws are loose. I'm glad I pulled a core support when I had the chance. I just need to find the time and energy to swap it in.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: oxford, nc
thanks Swoosh, it's out (almost)!
I only have the two frame bolts to remove (currently soaking in Blaster, my second can so far) and the fenders are holding the load.
Thanks again for the support removing my support.
Thanks again for the support removing my support.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Western Mass
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2007
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Just cut it. Its so much easier and it keeps everything lined up bodywise up front. Not to mention the amount of stuff that will break if its at all rusty. Just make sure its straight when you go to weld it back. Ive done numerous trucks this way
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