ARB Winch Install Rad Support Question

[Moto13]

Hey all,

I'm new to the game and have a question. I'm mounting a Smittybilt XRC9500 into the ARB. Finally got it all arranged and put it back on the truck. I was worried about the condenser line but thankfully that cleared. Unfortunately the clutch is being impeded by the rad support. Now the support is welded/bolted on each side and the supports mounting directly to the radiator are on each side of clutch with plenty of clearance. Soooooooo, I'm having the insane idea of notching out the support to clear the clutch so that I can operate it and mount the bumper. I am unwilling to move the bumper forward at all on the frame as it was almost a perfect install when I put it in and has been great in that position. Also, I'm pretty sure that my radiator is toast the first front end strike with things in this position.

Is my radiator going to fall out and explode if I either notch out or cut all the way through that support in that area?

Thanks in advance. Sorry about the picture quality. I had to resize to upload.

 

[thezentree]

No but it will make the core support weaker so you need to be gentle when you close the hood. I had to cut mine to get my bumper on, but it’s been like that for 6 months or so. I’ll fix it ...eventually. Maybe.

 

[Moto13]

No but it will make the core support weaker so you need to be gentle when you close the hood. I had to cut mine to get my bumper on, but it’s been like that for 6 months or so. I’ll fix it ...eventually. Maybe.

Thanks! I went ahead and did it with no issues immediately apparent. We'll see how it goes. I'll tell you that using a harbor freight angle grinder that close to the condenser line was attention getting for sure. We'll see how she hold's up.

 

[Moto13]

Well, this has been the worst vehicle day I've had in a while.

Got the support cut out. Winch installed. Bumper fit great. Works awesome.

Took the wife and the family out. First bump on the rear end I get a metallic clunk. Uh oh. Get back to the road and the truck pulls left on the gas. Right when I am off it.

Get home. Frame cancered through right at the driver UCA frame connection.

I'm gonna try a weld in SafTCap. We'll see. If not there's a part out coming soon. That's fun because between bumper, winch, and tires I've put some funds in this thing in the last month.

 

[thezentree]

Oh man that sucks.