Time To Replace Radiator Support

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Dec 26, 2009 | 01:12 PM

LARIAT 85

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 3,362

Likes: 22

From: Florence, SC

Time To Replace Radiator Support

The radiator support of my 1985 F150 is rotted out pretty good, and I got another one in good shape from the junkyard to replace it with.

Has anyone in here ever done this before? Any tips or surprises to watch out for?

Do both fenders have to come off the truck in order to replace the radiator support?

Dec 26, 2009 | 05:44 PM

81-F-150-Explorer

Post Fiend

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 8,786

Likes: 28

From: Northern California

No the fenders do not have to come off,

Here is a diagram...

You have to remove the grille, the headlamp doors, all the hardware, the air deflector, the bumper, etc...

Then take loose all the supports and bolts holding the fender to the radiator support. The diagram should help find all the bolts screws and nuts...

Remember 1980-1984 radiator supports are different than 1985-1986. The radiator hooks to it differently.

Also would be a good time, if you have the small tiny radiator, to upgrade to the Larger radiator support to fit the larger size radiator.