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I'm getting quicker with the pic posting, but sadly my skills haven't improved. I may need to get one of those good cameras Gary was posting about a page or so back! My phone is limited in close ups like this.
I went out while there was still a bit of light and tried to get a couple pics of the bottom radiator supports on the '85; does this help at all? I can retake in the morning and get underneath the truck.
I deleted the one on the right side; blurry, over exposed, and it didn't really show the mount.
Gary, if you need some pictures of the 1983-1991 (maybe newer) I have to replace Darth's radiator as soon as we get some more tolerable temperatures here (high 90s with heat index over 100). I can get you what it looks like with it removed for the upper and lower mounts.
Jim - Let me compare that to what I see on Big Blue tomorrow. He's on the lift so it should be fairly easy, although he has lots of "stuff" in the way.
Bill - It might be a good idea to get a shot with the radiator out. Thanks!
It looks to me the difference is how the radiators mount. My '81 has the top brackets that bolt over the top and set it down on rubber(?) cushions on the bottom. The '85 has has the "wings" or extensions at the bottom and bolts in directly at the top.
I've thought about taking all the cooling system from the '85 and exchanging it to the '81. Much better setup and bigger radiator hose as well. I wonder if I could do that without actually exchanging the the entire radiator support? Looking on the LMC catalog, I do not see the brackets you mention as a separate item(s).
It looks to me the difference is how the radiators mount. My '81 has the top brackets that bolt over the top and set it down on rubber(?) cushions on the bottom. The '85 has has the "wings" or extensions at the bottom and bolts in directly at the top.
I've thought about taking all the cooling system from the '85 and exchanging it to the '81. Much better setup and bigger radiator hose as well. I wonder if I could do that without actually exchanging the the entire radiator support? Looking on the LMC catalog, I do not see the brackets you mention as a separate item(s).
It is possible. You would just need to remove the brackets from any 85-96 truck, and attach them to your other support. I bolted mine on, but they really should be welded. One of the bolts caused interference with the battery tray mount. You also will need to drill 4 holes to swap over the clips for the upper mounts.
Gary, it is supposed to cool down here some tomorrow, a bit more Sunday and definitely on Monday. You probably won't agree with my source, but they were a bit lower than Amazon and I have actually had more issues with Amazon's automotive parts catalog system being a bit squirrely to say the least. I ordered it from Rock Auto, it came Fed Ex in a totally perfect box from LKQ. It is supposed to be an upgraded unit, thicker core than the Modine.
Well, I have a sign in my shop declaring it to be the Busted Knuckle Garage. And, that's been quite true over the years. But, today I think I'll change the name to the Split-Lip Garage.
But let's back up a bit. I had every intention of checking out the radiator mounting to the radiator support. But, then Bill's post came in and I thought I'd wait until at least the end of the day to check out the radiator. (Bill, thanks!) However, while I was looking at the front of Big Blue I saw the bolts that hold the bumper on. They were in backwards, with the extra threads sticking out in the breeze, so I thought I'd pull them and turn them around. And, once I was in that swamp the alligators got me good. And then a wrench slipped and busted my lip, so the day ended early.
Anyway, it turns out all of the fasteners were both undersized and rusted. Here's a pic of what I found and what I replaced them with. On the left you see one of the 7/16" grade 5 bolt that held the major brackets to the bumper, and next to them a 1/2" grade 8 I replaced it with. And on the right is a 1/2" grade 5 bolt that is one of 4 that held the brackets to the frame, and next to it is one of the 5/8" grade 8's I replaced them with.
Once I got the bolts out I pulled off the brackets, and discovered that a brace on this one had broken off - probably many years ago as the area between the two pieces of metal was rusted.
I also discovered that the slots on the brackets weren't long enough to allow everything to fit properly, so I put the brackets on the mill and elongated them, as shown with the red arrows. Plus, I welded the bracket back on.
Here's proof that the brackets haven't been fitting correctly as they have moved over about 1/4" on each side. But, now things line up nicely and nothing is in a bind.
And, here are the results. I think things might be a bit stronger. The 1/2" G5's were good for 9,000 lbs each when new, and they aren't quite new, and the 5/8" G8's are good for 20,000 each.
I was on a tour of a historic home and they had a rotary dial phone from the 50s or 60s.
Historic home... 50s or 60s... . I wonder how many of those kids would be able to turn on the TV and change the channel!
I was born in '53 and can still hear the "whirrz- tic tic tic tic tic " of dialing each number on those old black heavy things!
In the movie "Neighbors 2", one of the kids trying to wreak havoc in the house next door grabs the phone laughing that they can't call anyone and starts to run away with receiver in hand. Of course it was a wall-mount and had a cord attached. Flat on her back and cries "OLD PEOPLE'S PHONE!"
As per our discussion, here are the pictures of the radiator job:
New Spectra Premium radiator.
This is what you are dealing with on a 460.
Left end, bypass tube is peculiar to EFI and E4OD.
Right end, bypass connects to heater hose.
Fan has to come out first. If you pull the shroud, it will not go back far enough to reach the fan bolts. Fan will come out the top once unbolted.
Bypass tube and upper hose off, red handles are to a spring clamp tool.
Original 1986 lower hose, there is one little rubbed are from the power steering gear.
Left side lower radiator support from above.
Left side lower radiator support looking at it from radiator area.
Right side lower support looking at it from radiator area.
Rubber insert for radiator support.
All back together and ready to warm it up and check for leaks. None found!
Old Modine radiator, this was the third radiator from Steve's Radiator Service. This one is probably at least 15 years old.
Spring from inside original lower hose. Gates replacement had one in it.
One of the more fun parts was the transmission cooler lines. The bottom one didn't want to unscrew and I really didn't want to cut it. The original Ford inverted flare nuts have an extended unthreaded portion as a pilot going into the fitting. The replacement fittings will not allow the Ford nuts to start, so I looked up the tap drill, 29/64", sure enough the fittings were too small ID. I carefully drilled the threads to 29/64" and everything went together perfectly.
They do look like they could be bolted, but I am inclined to think the holes are there for the other stuff that bolts there, like the battery tray. Keep in mind, the core support is from the 1990 parts truck and may be a little different.
Have done, and responded. But, I'll let you tell why I'm so happy.
(While in the shop I keep an eye on my email in case someone posts.)
Stand by Gary... it's 104*F and I want to get this stuff loaded in my car and turn on the AC. Monsoon downpour is heading this way too! As soon as I get home I will post details
. I wonder how many of those kids would be able to turn on the TV and change the channel!
But, I'll let you tell why I'm so happy. 
