91 4Runner radiator support panel mod

[Mattmannz]

I have cut away the lower horizontal support panel brace that runs between the left and right guards above the front chassis cross member.

This allows me to fit my new 16in fan correctly.

I have also removed the vertical support strut between the top and lower sections.

Does this reinforcing need to be replaced? I would hate to have flex destroy my radiator.

Matt.

 

[bansheebuzz]

have you tried shutting the bonnet yet? Its very hard for the bonnet to lock without the vertical brace due to the top flexing when shutting bonnet

 

[Mattmannz]

I have removed the latch assembly and gone to pins. The assembly was in the way of the fan.

Cheers
Matt.

 

[duza]

I toyed with this when trying to fit my radiator into my Hilux, but have managed to fit it without having to cut the brace. I am fitting the thermo between engine and radiator as I believe it wil work better that way. If I had gone ahead and done that though, I had intended to weld a brace just above the chassis between the body block mount points. I believe you need some sort of brace there to keep the body a little rigid, otherwise the radiator will be holding the body together and that may not be the best idea, especially for an offroad vehicle. I don't think the vertical brace is as important and would have no qualms about leaving that out.
Ric