Upper Radiator Brackets--Needed??

[u10072]

Hello All,
It seems like everytime you turn around there is someone talking about putting in a radiator and having issues with the mounts, leaning and simply holes not lining up. Its my opinion that a lot of the issues are from the upper welded on radiator bracket straps. I just bought a champion radiator and it seems like a nice piece but its the same thing regardless if its chinese, Ron Davis, BC or any of them -- they all seem to be just a tad off from what it had originally. So I was thinking why mess with the aggravation again and just fix the issue by removing the strap - everything should line up no matter what you use and its not this battle to get the bolts in. I would love to hear anyones thoughts on why not just take them off and be done with them!!!

 

[toddz69]

I think they serve several functions:

1. assembly aid for when the trucks were first built, and also an aid for us for reinstalling since they give us a "target" for the upper bracket placement.
2. They add some critical stiffness to the core support to the area where the radiator is attached.
3. Add just a slight bit of support to the upper brackets themselves. I looked at mine and both are sitting against the pocket along one edge.

My $0.02,

Todd Z.

 

[bknbronco]

i looked at my upper radiator mounts and i wouldnt trust them alone! Mine are brand new but there cheesy as hell, and that weld nut or whatever they used dont look too promising. I think the strap is there as a seat belt against the upper mount coming off and causing a real headach.

Why is it such a battle to get the bolts in?? Why not drill the hole a few sizes larger???

For as often as you need to remove the radiator, a little hassle with the bolts is less hassle than removing them straps to find out there needed?

 

[joshnjulie1]

I just removed my radiator because of a few pinholes, and after reading up on all the issues with new radiators, I am getting mine fixed. I fight tooth and nail with the Bronco anyway, I don't want to pick a fight I don't have to. Besides, it will cost me half the price just to get it cleaned and fixed at a shop nearby.

 

[bknbronco]

I just removed my radiator because of a few pinholes, and after reading up on all the issues with new radiators, I am getting mine fixed. I fight tooth and nail with the Bronco anyway, I don't want to pick a fight I don't have to. Besides, it will cost me half the price just to get it cleaned and fixed at a shop nearby.

I have had my radiator and my pressure tank repaired numerous times in the last 2 years. Every time i fix one tiny pinhole another appears a few days later. Im all for keeping the radiator guy in business but im starting to think a new champion radiator is in the near future. Besides im thinking i need to get rid of the pressure tank to make room for a power steering pump and brackets??