X88 expeditions - Documenting and sharing overland travels, adventures, and expeditions

April 10, 2009

Skidplates and Safety - Radiator Protection

As part of a bigger job (see next entry), I asked the great team at National 4WD to think about how we could reinforce the radiator bracket and stop it from being pushed back and potentially causing major damage.

The solution they came up with is very simple but very effective.

By fabbing up 2 very thick-walled tubes and attaching them with grade 8 bolts on either side, that radiator is not going anywhere. The existing holes (see previous entry) were used on the back side, while 2 holes were drilled into the metal skid plate.
It is very easy to remove as well (in case of service). The rear bolts are accessible when the oil pan skid plate is removed. The front bolts do not have to be removed as the whole assembly can come down when the factory bolts that hold the skid plate are removed.

In my opinion, an excellent solution.

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