What is this part called? (F150) (updated)

[phucheneh]

The spec for 'ball joint play' is zero. Precisely zero.

And the radiator is 'rotted out,' yet you didn't see coolant leaking?

Whoever you used sounds shady as shit.

edit: misread. is it the radiator support or core support? Core supports are on the sides behind the headlights.

 

[skyking]

"center/ radiator core support"
That is not that bad a job to DIY either. Good luck man, whatever you decide.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

The spec for 'ball joint play' is zero. Precisely zero.

And the radiator is 'rotted out,' yet you didn't see coolant leaking?

Whoever you used sounds shady as shit.

edit: misread. is it the radiator support or core support? Core supports are on the sides behind the headlights.

Sorry if what I wrote was misleading. I simply copied it from the report the Ford mechanic gave me. I had the truck inspected by a mechanic at a Ford dealer so it should be on the up and up.

My understanding is that the core support for this truck looks like a window with a bracket bridging the center of the opening. I'm not sure, but I think the issue is with the bracket, not the sides of the core support. Regardless the recommended fix is to replace the entire core support. Might as well, given that the part is cheap and replacing any part of the core support requires removing most of the front end of the vehicle anyway.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

"center/ radiator core support"
That is not that bad a job to DIY either. Good luck man, whatever you decide.

Yeah, I could probably do it myself (I'm somewhat mechanically inclined), but I do not have the welding equipment or the time that would be required.

Made some calls to a few body shops today. Got one quote back for the repair - $1100 using aftermarket parts. Ouch.

 

[iamwiz82]

Just popped on Google and it appears to be extremely common with the Expedition and Navigator too. That must be why they inspected for it.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1209634-2001-f150-has-near-death-body-rot-around-radiator.html

 

[railer]

The plugs in the 5.4's were an issue in at least 04-05 when they bumped the hp up to 300. I believe Ford changed the head design for 06 or possibly 07 to fix the problem. The plug issue is certainly not a deal breaker, and as the recommended plug change interval is 100k, hopefully yours have already been done.
What state are you in? I'm a little surprised that they'd even look at a radiator support during an inspection. In NYS they actually check very little - the vehicle just needs to pass the OBD code check, then they do a quick check for lights/brakes/tread wear/wipers, etc. I'm sure it also depends on the garage that you go to. I'll have to check my 01 when I get home to see how bad it is. I know my frame is fairly rusty.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Screw rust. Wrenching on my 90 Mustang when I had it I never ran into one single bolt seized by rust or any on the body.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

The plugs in the 5.4's were an issue in at least 04-05 when they bumped the hp up to 300. I believe Ford changed the head design for 06 or possibly 07 to fix the problem. The plug issue is certainly not a deal breaker, and as the recommended plug change interval is 100k, hopefully yours have already been done.
What state are you in? I'm a little surprised that they'd even look at a radiator support during an inspection. In NYS they actually check very little - the vehicle just needs to pass the OBD code check, then they do a quick check for lights/brakes/tread wear/wipers, etc. I'm sure it also depends on the garage that you go to. I'll have to check my 01 when I get home to see how bad it is. I know my frame is fairly rusty.

Yeah I don't think the plugs are an issue in the f150 I am considering because it has the small V8 (4.6L).

I'm in NH. This was not a standard inspection, but rather a used car check. The dealer put the truck up on a lift, took the wheels off, and went over it for about an hour and half before giving me a report. Cost a bit of money but in my opinion it was worth it.

 

[jlee]

Yeah I don't think the plugs are an issue in the f150 I am considering because it has the small V8 (4.6L).

I'm in NH. This was not a standard inspection, but rather a used car check. The dealer put the truck up on a lift, took the wheels off, and went over it for about an hour and half before giving me a report. Cost a bit of money but in my opinion it was worth it.

Buy an Arizona truck and then pay black2na to fly out here and deliver it. :awe: