Move and/or Remove Front A/C and Tranny Radiators?

[shealy]

I started a new post on this, because I asked this question in another topic and I have yet to get much of an answer - so hoping I can get a bit more help here. Sorry if this is redundant if you've read the other post, found here:
http://www.delica.ca/forum/new-skidplate-on-13255.html
I'm looking for information on how to move the front two raidiators (A/C and tranny cooler):

1. Who has done this, and has there been any issues afterwards? Especially with moving the tranny cooler there seems to be an idea that this will have adverse effects on the transmission. Looking for some personal experience here....

2. I don't have much in the way of fancy tools (eg. welder), and it sounds like some brackets may need to be shortened, machined? Is there a shop in the lower mainland that would be able to help me out with this? Or any Delica.ca members with some necessary tools and a helping hand??

3. Can the A/C be moved, or is the only option to remove it?

Basically I removed the side steps, put on a skidplate and am looking for a bit more approach angle - while trying to reduce the vulnerability of these two radiators.

Thanks!

[FalcoColumbarius]

I have used those skids on more than one occasion to give traction to my front wheels when climbing a step. They should line up to three (or nine) o'clock on the tyre. Anything above that point does nothing, even if you remove the whole body.

Falco.

[shealy]

I can't say I know exactly what you're getting at Falco. I don't really like the look of the skids anyways so I took them off. Now I want to make sure the radiators are protected a bit more from rocks etc. (even just highway debris, snow/ice chunks....) I'm aware I can't really climb a perpendicular step higher than halfway up my tire, but if it's an angled approach hill, moving those rads up will allow me to do it without scraping (or worse - crushing the radiator).

[gezzza]

Got close to flattening mine last week.

27052012.jpg (278.75 KiB) Viewed 3291 times

[shealy]

Got close to flattening mine last week.

Whoa, yeah you sure did get close. Exactly why I'm looking to move them!

[legionnair]

To move the transcooler is easy I was looking at putting it in front of the rad or up in side under the drivers seat. The AC if it is not working I would just pull the whole works out and be done with it, but if your heart is set on keeping it you will need to get the system recovered then move it some where ie in the rad tunnel and then get it vacuumed down and then recharged.
I am waiting for mine to stop working and then in the trash it will go. But I will convert tje AC compressor in to an air compressor

Dustin

[shealy]

Still looking for any expertise from anyone who's done this. Especially if it caused issues with the tranny heating up (this seems to be the biggest concern, though I've heard no evidence). Also, HOW or WHERE the tranny cooler "lift" was done? Thanks!

[shealy]

So I looked at it again today, and I think there's a way I could do this without cutting or welding, or really doing much in the way of alterations. I think I could just bend the brackets holding the rad to the van at 90 degrees to pull it up just above the protection of the bullbars. I made a super crude drawing as shown below:

IMG_0495.JPG (111.44 KiB) Viewed 3195 times

Here's a side view so you can see how it should be able to be above the bullbar line. This should be able to be done with a torch and a vice I would think...

IMG_0498.JPG (125.46 KiB) Viewed 3195 times

My only concern is if this is going to be an okay mod in terms of long term strength. The brackets aren't holding much weight so I can't see it being a problem?

[Dalaran_Delica]

Seems to me that the little side steps protect them well. Also some pieces of steel pipe could be added from the bull bar around the radiator to the frame on the other side of the radiator. One piece at the top of the radiator and the other of at the bottom then a skid plate could be added between the pieces of pipe with some holes to allow air flow. Thats how I would start to look at the problem, but I am by no means an expert, and I just took look to see how I would start.

I just don't like the idea of bending the bracket because if something manages to hit the radiator, instead transferring the energy strait into the frame it would pull on the on bolts or push on the bends made in the brackets. Over time it may break!

If off-road/back road is going to be the main use, or even occasionally, I believe doing it the best way is a good idea because allot of stress is being put on everything and you dont want something to break well out in the boonies. The best way may require welding and such!

Thats my opinion, I may be wrong.

Kind Regards,
DD