Protecting radiator behind Raptor Grill?

[Strobes]

done

Sponsored

 

[RedDakooter05]

I don't have a ranger, but in the past I've rigged up either a mesh screen panel, or used rip-resistant window screen on previous trucks.

 

[McLeadslinger]

That’s the intercooler behind the grill. It will be just fine.

 

[Rinn69]

I bought some stainless steel woven mesh from eBay and put it behind my lower valance hexagonal grille. It won't stop sand and the such, but will stop the larger rocks and debris. If you can find a large enough piece, cut it to fit (I used diagonal cutters), you could fasten it to the back side of the grille. The 12x12 pc of 304, #4 mesh with .047 wire was about $20 shipped. so it would be a fairly inexpensive fix/mod.

This is what I used--

Here is a 12x48" pc-- https://www.ebay.com/itm/2925940403...U5v9AYOLng%3D%3D|clp:2334524|tkp:BFBMnKKBnsBf

 

[Rinn69]

@Rinn69 btw, I love the all blue you got. Did you do all that trim work yourself or did you get it done by a shop? Looks great!!

Thanks ! I did it myself. Just added the Tremor flares a few weeks ago.

 

[GTGallop]

I'm going to do something with "Hardware Cloth" wich is just a fine metal fencing like a rabbit hutch would have on it.

 

[McLeadslinger]

I’ve owned several high HP turbo cars with exposed intercooler. Never had an issue with the intercooler being damaged to the point of creating a boost leak.

okay, I thought it was that but radiator came up as well. ??‍

I just see new ones cost a bunch, but I also see a bunch of Raptor grills with no protection behind it. Anyways, thanks for the info.

 

[Msfitoy]

Just installed Raptor grill late last week, well had the shop who was installing my Smartcap do it. Here’s the question. Do any of you guys have something behind it to prevent rocks from damaging the radiator? I see they make them for the actual Raptor, and I see they make them for the strip below (I have a light bar there), but I can’t seem to find an insert for the Ranger.

It appears I have already had a rock or two get behind the original oem grill and that had protection, now the space is much bigger and I’m sure it will be damaged sooner rather than later.

If anybody knows where to look that would be great, or I suppose I could find a way to rig something up myself.


bad picture but it’s too dark, late and cold for me to go outside at the moment. Thanks.
View attachment 114890

Man if rocks got up that high, I'd be worried about my hood and windshield...I've had it for 84K miles and no damages so far...

 

[McLeadslinger]

I’m the same way.. I gotta stay busy. ?

Okay cool, that does give me some comfort while I wait it out for my delivery. I’m gonna build something to keep me busy, always gotta have a project up here in the winter. 6 months of darkness can start to make me crazy!

 

[Msfitoy]

Haha, well I see you live in NC.. I get it, I never would have thought either…. That was until I moved to Alaska 11 years ago.

Our insurance comes with free glass protection for a reason, we’ve replaced windshields 5 or 6 times on our vehicles since that time.

Not only that, there is a sand and gravel place near my side of town and for whatever reason the sidedumpers spill that crap a lot.

We need more protection up here. ??‍

Wow in your case, I'd add a mesh screen behind the Raptor grill...it is pretty much wide open...

 

[McLeadslinger]

I hear ya. I’ve only visited Alaska during my military career. The time changes can really mess with you. I feel your pain with the kids. I love mine but damn. LEAVE ME ALONE SOMETIMES!! Lol.

Can only hang out with the kids so much before I tell them to find me in the garage or leave me alone!!

 

[lawrench]

Just installed Raptor grill late last week, well had the shop who was installing my Smartcap do it. Here’s the question. Do any of you guys have something behind it to prevent rocks from damaging the radiator? I see they make them for the actual Raptor, and I see they make them for the strip below (I have a light bar there), but I can’t seem to find an insert for the Ranger.

It appears I have already had a rock or two get behind the original oem grill and that had protection, now the space is much bigger and I’m sure it will be damaged sooner rather than later.

If anybody knows where to look that would be great, or I suppose I could find a way to rig something up myself.


bad picture but it’s too dark, late and cold for me to go outside at the moment. Thanks.
View attachment 114890

My question to everyone, why did Ford elect not to protect the inter-cooler on the Rangers? I would think that is a bit more important.

 

[GTGallop]

I have a few on the way to see which one I like better.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G94X3H5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BY66DWFQBF0DV6PFBJ5B

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096P8QNJ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HXMEBZZ8SKW69V29JEY1

Oh I like that honeycomb hex grid one. Might have to get some.

Sponsored