'72 LS-5 Radiator support too low???

[Tom L.]

Last night I put my shroud back in the car. Before I removed it, it was not bolted to the support through the holes in the bottom of the shroud, I just assumed Bubba has been visiting and one of the studs was broken off anyway. Before the support went back into the car I welded a new stud in so the shroud could be installed correctly.

Once I got the shroud in place, on the support studs, I tried to put the fan on to check clearence. It was way too low, no way I'd be able to get the fan on. Also, the cross member will be in the way once I try to put the extension on. And by the way, it's one of those tipped fans so I'm being extra cautious. Any idea what it's too low??? Thanks!!

[Dick W.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Radiator support too low???

Did you reinstall the shims under the core support??

[Tom L.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Radiator support too low???

I wans't aware that there were shims nor did I find any. All I did was use the existing bolt holes in the inner fender to install it. The inner fenders were replaced a few years ago, perhaps the shims were lost/removed thyen???

[Alan S.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Radiator support too low???

Hi Lynn,
The AIM does show the shims that Dick mentions. UPC 11, Sheet A10, Item #7.
I don't think all cars had/needed them, but some certainly did. I'd imagine the number required could vary, maybe even from side to side.
About what is the distance that the support appears to need to be raised? Can shims do it, or is something else causing the problem?
Regards,
Alan

[Edward J.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Radiator support too low???

Lynn, I think there were shims under the engine mounts also to raise the engine up slightly.

[Bob I.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Radiator support too low???

I had a similar problem, which I corrected by bending ( up ) the saddles the radiator sit in. That also raised the studs for shroud and extension.

Bob

[Paul O.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Radiator support too low???

Lynn

Also when the support is removed the front of the car can lower causing the problem your having. You may have to support the nose higher when installing the support till it is secured in place.

[Russ S.]

Re: '72 LS-5 Radiator support too low???

If you find you have to put considerable upward pressure on the nose of the body in order to get shims in then you don't need them. Too many shims resulting in too much lift will stress the front end fiberglass.