1997 f150 4.6. I noticed today my radiator support mount to the frame on the right side is all rusted and the fender is is sinking toward the bumper alot. I took a quick look and it looks to me as if the radiator support may be welded in place. Has anyone seen this befoere? If anyone has any info on replacing it I would be greatfull! Thanks.

 

It is welded in place. I needed one for my '97 and used a portable Sawzall to harvest one from a donor truck. I unbolted the brace from its forward mounts and clipped it a few inches back into the fender wells.
Always cut off a bit more than you need to leave room for trimming.

You can drill out the spot welds to detach the old one.

 

Thanks Monkeywrench! I did look at it in more detail. I don't think I'll have much of a problem w/it. I"ll get a dealer part and tackle everything but the welding myself. I've been a glass tech for 20+ years so if I need to pull a favor I know plenty of body tech's who can help out.

 

Find out if there is an aftermarket core brace that will save a worthwhile amount of money before buying the dealer part.

 

I have looked at the aftermarket supports (huge savings) but I am a bit hesitant. Either way, when you mention "core brace" are you are referring to the radiator support as a whole or a specific part of the support?

 

I'm referring to the whole section.

 

I also need to replace mine on a 2000 f150 any idea how much it would cost to replace the support took it in for inspection and they told me it was rusted pretty bad thanks

 

An aftermarket support is around 100 bucks

(Google "97-04 FORD F150 PICKUP RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT XL XLT STX" and variations.)

Cost to have it welded in if you aren't doing it yourself will vary locally, and will reflect removing whatever is in the way, and fixing whatever rusty parts are disturbed.

Did the truck actually fail inspection?

I'd avoid investing in a rusty truck where possible, and just band-aid it year after year until it's crusher time. If nothing is actually falling/moving/collapsing, I'd brush off the loose stuff, drench it in rust converter, let dry, then drench (not "paint neatly") the area in rustoleum.

 

Yea it passed he was just letting me know it is mostly rusted where it turns to go up by the body mounts on the front ill have to look around to find some one that can do the work sounds like a pain to do i am sure a dealer will bang me for a new one the truck is a 2000 f150 ex cab 4x4 owned since new and only has 66k on it still in nice shape so like to keep it around couple more yrs lol thanks bud

 

It's ordinary body shop work, and it won't disturb the paint on your truck since the core support is hidden. They'll unbolt everything that attaches to the support. remove the welds, replace the support, and reinstall the external parts.

If you are farming the work out, don't buy the core support yourself (you'll likely pay more than a business) just make sure the repair shop gets it cheaper than online retail.
Core supports don't need to be factory parts, especially since they are going to be welded and otherwise fitted in place.

Ensure the repair gets drenched in rustproofing of whatever sort, since you probably don't want to do this twice...