Metal Tech Frame Reinforcement Help

[HowieLong]

Has anyone installed the Metal Tech frame reinforcement kit? I am having issues with the top plate install. The install video, which doesn't show the install, says it is doable to get your hands into the space to completely take out and restart the intercooler bolt. That is a very tight space, I can only get the pad of one finger in there. I don't see how I am going to get the bolt restarted once it is out, especially with the bracket plate now in there. Maybe I am missing something. Any advise will be greatly appreciated. Here is the install video:

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[615_Bronco]

Hopefully someone has an answer. I was struggling with this today too and decided to just forget about it for now.

 

[userdude]

@Metal-tech 4x4 is on the forum.

 

[V1Rotate]

Not really a huge fan of any of the reinforcement options that only use one bolt through the frame like this one and the ADD option. I used/endorse the LOD brackets though you have to trim off a tab to work with the stock skid plate in most applications. Not a big deal though

 

[HowieLong]

Not really a huge fan of any of the reinforcement options that only use one bolt through the frame like this one and the ADD option. I used/endorse the LOD brackets though you have to trim off a tab to work with the stock skid plate in most applications. Not a big deal though

The top bracket on these would prevent rotation, in place of the second side bolt.

 

[Tricky Mike]

The top bracket on these would prevent rotation, in place of the second side bolt.

Yes. They are kind of a blend of the Ford ones and mine. Good design.

 

[Metal-tech 4x4]

Happy to help! You can also PM me your phone number and I will call you.

FYI: The video linked is an unpublished, down-and-dirty quick how, too, until we have a more formal one on the installation on a truck. Anyone with the link can see it, so no problem. Just not one we listed on our site or YouTube page.

Has anyone installed the Metal Tech frame reinforcement kit? I am having issues with the top plate install. The install video, which doesn't show the install, says it is doable to get your hands into the space to completely take out and restart the intercooler bolt. That is a very tight space, I can only get the pad of one finger in there. I don't see how I am going to get the bolt restarted once it is out, especially with the bracket plate now in there. Maybe I am missing something. Any advise will be greatly appreciated. Here is the install video:

Yes that bolt under the core support is in a tight spot. However, it gives us an amazing existing grab onto the top of the frame and back from the front. Just why we are using it.

How too:

1. Once the bolt is out, slip the thick washer (spacer) over it and start it back into its hole without the TFFS top bracket.
2. Once the bolt is started, notice how the top of the TFFS is cut like a teardrop that goes back to the slot for the bolt.
3. You slide the bracket over the top of the bolt, drop it down, then pull it forward.
4. Now reach back with your wrench and tighten down the bolt.

This way, you never have to try to get the bolt in through the bracket+spacer and intercooler mount. The bolt has already started, and the bracket's design drops over it.

Hopefully someone has an answer. I was struggling with this today too and decided to just forget about it for now.

We are always happy to help! [email protected] hits us all day. Just ask for a call with a number and best time, we will call you. Our regular phone hrs are only 10-2 M-Th, but we are here 7:30AM to 4PM M-F.

Yes. They are kind of a blend of the Ford ones and mine. Good design.

Thank you. I based it on talking with the Ford engineer who worked on theirs with the Warn project/mount. He stressed getting support back away from just the end of the frame, which is why we reached back on top the way we did. They go under the frame on theirs, which creates interference for some bumper mounting, so we went on top. We then took a full year + of testing and using the system before releasing it. Its on our Bronco on our 2023 Rubicon trip we have the video of on our YouTube page.



Mark

 

[615_Bronco]

Happy to help! You can also PM me your phone number and I will call you.

FYI: The video linked is an unpublished, down-and-dirty quick how, too, until we have a more formal one on the installation on a truck. Anyone with the link can see it, so no problem. Just not one we listed on our site or YouTube page.



Yes that bolt under the core support is in a tight spot. However, it gives us an amazing existing grab onto the top of the frame and back from the front. Just why we are using it.

How too:

1. Once the bolt is out, slip the thick washer (spacer) over it and start it back into its hole without the TFFS top bracket.
2. Once the bolt is started, notice how the top of the TFFS is cut like a teardrop that goes back to the slot for the bolt.
3. You slide the bracket over the top of the bolt, drop it down, then pull it forward.
4. Now reach back with your wrench and tighten down the bolt.

This way, you never have to try to get the bolt in through the bracket+spacer and intercooler mount. The bolt has already started, and the bracket's design drops over it.



We are always happy to help! [email protected] hits us all day. Just ask for a call with a number and best time, we will call you. Our regular phone hrs are only 10-2 M-Th, but we are here 7:30AM to 4PM M-F.



Thank you. I based it on talking with the Ford engineer who worked on theirs with the Warn project/mount. He stressed getting support back away from just the end of the frame, which is why we reached back on top the way we did. They go under the frame on theirs, which creates interference for some bumper mounting, so we went on top. We then took a full year + of testing and using the system before releasing it. Its on our Bronco on our 2023 Rubicon trip we have the video of on our YouTube page.



Mark

Thank you sir!

 

[Metal-tech 4x4]

Thank you sir!

Absolutely. Please reach out via PM or email anytime. (email will reach me faster usually)

We install what we design and build. So, we designed with installation in mind. This is why that top bracket has that teardrop in it to allow slipping over the bolt head. The prototype did not, and I am the guy also installing it...."hmm there must be an easier way... " thus the teardrops went in and solved the issue.

Long before I started MT4x4 in my garage 25 years ago, I worked as a Machinist for an Aerospace Machine shop. We would get all kinds of crazy-designed parts that were designed without any thought about how to actually make them. Then came the assemblies of the parts having blind or no access to thread a screw in once assembled. I quickly learned that engineering a part was only half the process, and how you make and install it is the other half. Of course, I am always still learning, too.

 

[RallyGorgo]

Good information!

I just installed a set of the frame reinforcements and found that the outer pieces needed a little massaging with a grinder to get them to sit against the back of the bumper mounting plates on the frame. The brackets were hitting on the lower outer corners of both brackets leaving a 1/4-3/8” gap between the brackets and frame plates. After grinding the corners back about 1/4” and rounding the edges, they fit well. I threw a quick coat of paint on them and sprayed the area with Krown oil to limit rusting. I’m sorry, I don’t have pictures….

 

[HowieLong]

Good information!

I just installed a set of the frame reinforcements and found that the outer pieces needed a little massaging with a grinder to get them to sit against the back of the bumper mounting plates on the frame. The brackets were hitting on the lower outer corners of both brackets leaving a 1/4-3/8” gap between the brackets and frame plates. After grinding the corners back about 1/4” and rounding the edges, they fit well. I threw a quick coat of paint on them and sprayed the area with Krown oil to limit rusting. I’m sorry, I don’t have pictures….

Same here. They thought one of the holes was misaligned and sent me a new outer right bracket, I believe. Still didn't fix it, that's when I discovered it needed ground down quite a bit. Did you get the screws on top of the frame completely out to place the washers there?

 

[RallyGorgo]

Did you get the screws on top of the frame completely out to place the washers there?

Yes, got the screws on top out, no problem.

 

[Mattwings]

Happy to help! You can also PM me your phone number and I will call you.

FYI: The video linked is an unpublished, down-and-dirty quick how, too, until we have a more formal one on the installation on a truck. Anyone with the link can see it, so no problem. Just not one we listed on our site or YouTube page.



Yes that bolt under the core support is in a tight spot. However, it gives us an amazing existing grab onto the top of the frame and back from the front. Just why we are using it.

How too:

1. Once the bolt is out, slip the thick washer (spacer) over it and start it back into its hole without the TFFS top bracket.
2. Once the bolt is started, notice how the top of the TFFS is cut like a teardrop that goes back to the slot for the bolt.
3. You slide the bracket over the top of the bolt, drop it down, then pull it forward.
4. Now reach back with your wrench and tighten down the bolt.

This way, you never have to try to get the bolt in through the bracket+spacer and intercooler mount. The bolt has already started, and the bracket's design drops over it.



We are always happy to help! [email protected] hits us all day. Just ask for a call with a number and best time, we will call you. Our regular phone hrs are only 10-2 M-Th, but we are here 7:30AM to 4PM M-F.



Thank you. I based it on talking with the Ford engineer who worked on theirs with the Warn project/mount. He stressed getting support back away from just the end of the frame, which is why we reached back on top the way we did. They go under the frame on theirs, which creates interference for some bumper mounting, so we went on top. We then took a full year + of testing and using the system before releasing it. Its on our Bronco on our 2023 Rubicon trip we have the video of on our YouTube page.



Mark

I am installing the kit now and it seems the fit issues with the brackets are not a problem for me. I am stumped on removing the intercooler bolts, I have them completely backed out, but they are hard against the radiator or whatever is direclty above the bolts. Is there something I am missing to gain clearance for them to be removed completely? It seems like I can easily get the bracket on the bolt, but the spacing would clealry be different. I sent an email asking about instructions as well. Thanks!

 

[Silver-Bolt]

I am installing the kit now and it seems the fit issues with the brackets are not a problem for me. I am stumped on removing the intercooler bolts, I have them completely backed out, but they are hard against the radiator or whatever is direclty above the bolts. Is there something I am missing to gain clearance for them to be removed completely? It seems like I can easily get the bracket on the bolt, but the spacing would clealry be different. I sent an email asking about instructions as well. Thanks!

Loosen the upper intercooler bolts. That will give you some wiggle room.

 

[Mattwings]

Loosen the upper intercooler bolts. That will give you some wiggle room.

I fianlly got them, wow, you guys are right, it's possible, budget some time or hire a pixie for those who havent't installed the kit

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