Question for the experts...On an 86 F-150 gas, what is the best option to replace the radiator core support which typically gets rusted out around the mounting bolts? Aftermarkets are available (Gordon and overseas) but from one I've seen some of the alignment was lacking and the bottom core supports do not come on the replacement. I've checked with two sources who confirm the bottom core supports are not available. Is cutting off the factory supports and installing on an aftermarket unit the best option?

 

Are you needing to replace the core support or the mounts on the frame? Core supports are available at the salvage, and you can cut out and weld in new metal if you need to.

 

The core support only. The jy's I've visited around the area (not many with bullnose trucks) have been picked over, have damage, or are also rusted badly on mostly the right hand side.

 

Since the core support is a major piece in aligning the fenders, I'm not sure I'd want an aftermarket one. Maybe someone on here will have one extra?

 

That's a good point that I have not thought of.

 

Lotsa luck finding a used correct radiator support.
1980/84 & 1987/91 use different radiator supports than 1985/86.

Diesel is different than gas and there are several different diesel radiator supports, as it depends on the size of the radiators.

E5TZ-16138-C .. Radiator Support (gas) - 29" opening / Obsolete ~ Last MSRP: $432.48 - Dealer net cost: $259.49.

Applications: 1985/86 F150/350 & Bronco 300 I-6; 302 (except F350)/351W/460 (except F150 & Bronco).

No Ford dealer or obsolete parts vendor has any.

 

Bill - That's why I haven't mentioned that I have an extra and Fuzz Face may. But, both are from '81 trucks and, as you pointed out, his '86 is different. However, they aren't that uncommon around here.

Catchad - I would see if anyone else on here has one he's willing to sell. Someone seems to be parting out one of these trucks every once in a while, so you may get lucky. Or, maybe check on the Internet to see if a salvage somewhere has one. They can ship it.

 

Mine are 81's also.
I also thought there was a difference between AC and non-AC supports?


The one I don't plan to use, again 1981, is a non-AC and IIRC the right side (batt side) is in ruff shape but could check if you think it will work.


Also know when I pulled the 2 trucks apart there was a lot of shims between support & rubber mounts.
Because of that I would go with the after market one if I could not find one in a JY, cut & weld the bottom part on it and shim as needed.
Dave ----

 

Here's the 16138 radiator support applications from the 1980/89 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog.

With or without A/C only applies to 1987/89 F250/350 diesels.

 

Bill sorta beat me to it: Radiator Support - ???Gary's Garagemahal. (But mine is easier to find and read. )

Bill - What is the difference between EOTZ 16138—A and E4TZ 16138—C? The latter is said to have a 29" opening, so was the A's opening smaller?

 

I thought the supports can work from 80 to 86 as far as bolting fenders and such to them.

If i remember right, the earlier year radiators bolt in top and bottom and the later sits in rubber cradles with 2 metal anchors that lay on top of the radiator with a single bolt in each.

 

Also, perhaps Bill can fill us in on the difference for 85/86 vs 80-84. But, I know that the radiators changed for 85, as shown here: Radiator Part #'s - ???Gary's Garagemahal. Plus, I believe the air cleaner cold air ducting also changed.

Also, lots of shims were used in all of the many trucks I've worked on, so I wouldn't worry about that radiator support just because there were shims.

 

Kyle - You are right - either of the supports will accept the fenders the same. But, as shown here (Cooling System Illustrations - ???Gary's Garagemahal), the 80-84 radiators sit in a rubber pair of cradles, and have a bracket on either side on top with two bolts per bracket. As of 85 the radiators also sit in cradles but have two bolts that go through a tab on the radiator and into the support.

 

I haven't a clue, it's been 25 years since I last sold one a these supports and I never looked at any of them to see if there was any difference.

Catalog sez over on the right under the description that EOTZ-16138-A was replaced by E3TZ-16138-B / Do you see this p/n listed? I don't either.

The IDIOTS @ FoMoCo goofed, this parts catalog final printing was 3/1994, but the 1991 O-S-I catalog (printed 1/1991) sez:

EOTZ-16138-A & E3TZ-16138-B were replaced by E4TZ-16138-C

 

Cool! The web site, as well as my catalog, has been updated to show: