Radiator Core Support Frame Bracket - Replacement Available?

[manley]

1987 Ranger here - what are you guys using to replace the radiator core support frame bracket? I'm not seeing an exact replacement out there when I search. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[SenorNoob]

Looks like you either have to salvage it or make one yourself...

 

[manley]

I think you might be right. I see the full size parts are similar. I might buy a set and modify them.

 

[PlumCrazy]

I have a frame sitting in the driveway that may still have good mounts on it. I'll check this evening.

 

[manley]

That would be fantastic! Let me know what you find!

 

[PlumCrazy]

That would be fantastic! Let me know what you find!

I made an assumption that the Gen 2 Rangers had the same rivet on style mount, but its actually same as the Gen 3 and welds on unlike a Gen 1. Also....both were pretty thin anyway.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

For some reason I seem to remember coming across one of those recently… I’ll have to do some looking

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Have you checked LMC?

They have 1st gen core supports now....i dont remember if they had the mounts

 

[manley]

I only see the full size truck pieces when I search. I bet they are about the same other than having 3 mounting holes instead of 4.

 

[manley]

I made an assumption that the Gen 2 Rangers had the same rivet on style mount, but its actually same as the Gen 3 and welds on unlike a Gen 1. Also....both were pretty thin anyway.

Missed your reply. I have a 94 parts teuck out back and found what you stated: welded on. I’m going to buy some of the F150 pieces and see how it goes.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I just threw a whole set of those in the junk about two months ago. Went to the scrap yard.

 

[manley]

Found a good set in a junkyard! I cut the frame right behind them and grabbed the core support, too - all for $40. The F150 brackets I bought from LMC are not a good match, but could be modified to work. $75 later for the LMC parts, my son or I will surely have a use for them some day maybe.

 

[manley]

Adding some pics to show the difference between the Ranger brackets and F-series brackets.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Adding some pics to show the difference between the Ranger brackets and F-series brackets.
View attachment 137946

View attachment 137947

Hmmm..I think with a holesaw and the correct offset measurement you could cut around the hex, swing it 180°, and weld it back in for the correct spacing. Then drill 2 holes for the other side. It looks like it would move the hex up by 1/4" according to my eye tape.

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd probably just make a new bracket from angle iron and use a round hole..