Polyurethane Radiator Support Mounts (Cab Also)

I checked. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the worn out OEM bushings.

There is a write-up of sorts in my build thread.

 

Just did this this afternoon - like everybody else has said, only takes about 30 min if you've never done it before. I jacked the wheels off the ground about 1" and then used a 2' portion of 2x4 standing vertically to raise the body off the frame for enough room to remove/replace the bushings. My driver side bolt was bent (wtf), but got it reassembled until I can get a replacement bolt. OEM rubber bushings were shot at 103K miles. I think whoever is on the edge about doing this/being lazy and putting it off need to jump on this mod. I don't think words can explain the difference such a cheap yet effective part can make on how the front end feels after doing this. Incredibly tighter/better feel in the front end.

Question - My hood raised about 3/8" putting the larger bushing on top without the washer. Doesn't look as bad in person as the pics but definitely noticeable with white.

 

You finally talked me in to it. Just ordered.

 

Glad you got it done. So much better!!! lol at ur bent bolt. You may want to give your core support a good look over just in case.

Read what @Airdog wrote in this build thread here I believe he had the same issue with hood to fender alignment.

My ES bushings are installed exactly like yours and my hood to fender alignment looks stock. Probably more evidence that our front ends are deteriorating at different rates. lol

 

I had no idea it would be that easy or I would have done it sooner. I'm going to get a list of threads together on the core support issue and then start reading through each to gather info. Pretty much the same method of intel gathering I do with all mods/maintenance/anything that gets done to the truck.

I planned to emulate your bushing setup after reading through the thread but I'm wondering if the smaller bushing on top will retain the same "feeling" in the front end? Also, any good threads you're aware of documenting the core support issue?

Thanks Crom, appreciate you always willing to lend a helping hand.

 

I have done the complete kit with cab mounts too. I would highly suggest purchasing some of the urethane bushing grease ES sells and putting it on every surface or you body mounts will creak all day every day.

 

Bro this is happening because you basically just bent your whole front end by installing the bushings incorrectly and not using the washer. Without the washer when you crank down the body mounts you are pulling the core wall down away from the hood...the cab is mounted in 6 locations and if the back 4 are tight and you install a bushing smaller than the gap at the front then when you crank those front 2 bolts you are tweaking the whole front end. Hardware is included for a reason and installation instruction are generally not just a " guideline "

 

The hardware (read: Energy kit) did not come with instructions. Many folks are running them with the same bushing setup/placement and are experiencing varying degrees of hood misalignment.

 

If that was my truck I'd put the thick one on the bottom. The only reason to put the thick one up top is if your core support is already cracked and sagging. And it only might help with alignment of the fender and the hood.

 

Thanks for your input Tom. It'll still be safe to run them in this position for a couple days correct? Don't want to do any harm until I can get them swapped.

 

I don't think thing, its just a looks thing.

 

Thinkin I'd do it like the pics on pg1 - regardless of the fat bushing or thin bushing being on top or bottom.

 

Wow, those hood latches are awesome

 

When I purchased the whole kit it did come with instructions, basically just a " blow up " drawing of how to stack the washers, sleeves and bushings. BTW the correct configuration is the thinner bushing on top w/ matching washer on top of the bushing.

The post I was replying to the Op did not use all of the supplied " hardware " = he did not use all of the washers that came in the kit I.E: there were parts left over on the garage floor after the install = generally not installed correctly.

I have a feeling the reason you guys are not getting instructions is that you are just ordering universal parts but when you order the whole kit it is vehicle specific.

 

Yes, if you order the entire kit, you get instructions. If you get just the universal radiator bushings, no instructions.

 

Ordered! Mine looks similar to other stock pics on here and with the roads around here bumpier than hell. I do have a wierd pop as i flex the truck, but will hope this is the issue and not in the rear end as i think it's coming from.

 

Just got my radiator support mounts in today, hoping to install them in my truck this week! My 2012 has 57k and hits the dirt, hoping this helps with the squeaks I'm noticing coming from this area.

 

The red ones are not as durable for some reason or I think they squeak more because they're not impregnated with graphite

 

Ugh crap... Looks like I'll need to exchange them on Amazon for black ones. Again choosing a color ends up biting me. Did you previously try them?

 

No, I have not. I just recall someone on here stating why the red was different many pages back. Maybe someone will jump in here and confirm before you go through any hoops to exchange them.