Fan shroud bolt installation on new Mopar radiator

[machoheadgames]

How are folks installing the fan shroud (stock location, no MML) on a new Mopar radiator? The radiator sheet metal bracketry has the 4 holes and in those holes, the metal is sort of stretched to form a wall that can be threaded. I believe the factory intent is for the bolt to thread the hole.

I picked up a set of factory bolts which are 1/4-20x0.875. They seem way too big for these holes and the idea of threading the holes with the bolts is not working out so well. Is there something I’m missing here?

What are others doing with a Mopar radiator, who also do not have an MML and are using the provided holes? I don’t have an old factory radiator to compare to.

Thanks.

Factory bolt



Radiator bolt hole, as it comes





After I tried to force a bolt in there…



Example of how big bolt is vs hole. The end of the bolt will not fit as it comes.

 

[KennethS]

I recall in one one of the radiator threads it was said the factory bolts are self-tapping, and the ones you have don’t look like self-tapping.

Drill it out slightly larger or go to the hardware store and get some self-tapping bolts and use them to cut threads for your MOPAR bolts.

 

[machoheadgames]

I think I figured out the problem actually. I went and tested out the bolt in the thread checker, go figure, it’s not a 1/4-20. I ordered a Mopar part number and I guess that is not what I received. Need to find an alternative.

 

[KennethS]

I’m fairly sure you can get that type of automotive bolt at Ace Hardware or Lowes in the specialty bolt section. The local auto parts store may also carry some.

 

[machoheadgames]

I’m fairly sure you can get that type of automotive bolt at Ace Hardware or Lowes in the specialty bolt section. The local auto parts store may also carry some.

Thanks, going to try Ace. I believe this picture is actually a lot more like stock. Not exactly a self tapping bolt but I don’t think it needs to be. I think it just needs to be the right size.

 

[KennethS]

It looks like a style of self tapping as it has a tapered end with threads down the point so it will grab and start threading into the hole.

 

[machoheadgames]

Ace had 5/16 and 3/8 but no 1/4! Will try Elliott’s tomorrow when open. Looks like I’m looking for a “body bolt”.

 

[Willys LJ]

I just pulled the radiator and fan shroud out of my '05 LJ and the shroud bolts are 1/4x20 with that crazy tapered end. Mine are pretty rusty, so I'm probably go get some new ones too. I threaded one into a 1/4x20 nut to make sure of the size.

 

[machoheadgames]

I have determined the factory bolts are indeed the ones with that pointy end. 1/4-20x0.875 is the size. I used the YJ bolt part numbers J4003069 as it was the only one that brought up a listing. The bolt part number from YJ through the TJ changed multiple times but remained the same bolt style and size. Unfortunately, the J4003069 I ordered from Team Grand Wagoneer was incorrect. They must have gotten that bolt mixed up with something else.

So….I tried going to Tractor Supply and Elliott’s Hardware. Tractor supply showed they had the right bolt in the pointy style. Unfortunately the photo was incorrect, as the part number I wanted was there in stock in the store (and were 1/4-20), but they didn’t have the pointy end. Elliott’s has a massive selection of hardware and had everything but a pointy 1/4-20. I think it’s an extremely uncommon size.

I did find a kit of used factory bolts for an exorbitant $24 on eBay from Davey’s. I decided to go that route. If anyone finds something similar available in the bolt world, I’m all ears, however at this point I’ve done a ton of searching and found nothing.

 

[Willys LJ]

I'm just going to go dig around at the local hardware store and see what I can come up with. I'm not so worried about the pointy ends. Worst case, I've got a 1/4x20 tap.

 

[JKP]

NAPA, Advance, Lowes, etc.

 

[JKP]

 

[joniki]

Try Fastenal.

 

[machoheadgames]

View attachment 454825

That’s the one I tried to get at Tractor Supply. The picture was that but the actual bolt in store was not. Maybe Lowe’s is correct, but I have my doubts being it’s still Hillman.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

That's a trilobular thread roller. IMO they work better than a traditional self tapper, and I've seen them in other places in the TJ. The cross section starts out like a swollen triangle (almost like a Wankel rotor) at the tip and then gradually becomes circular as it approaches the head.

They fall under a DIN 7500 standard, if that helps you widen your search.

 

[machoheadgames]

Went to Lowe’s. As expected:

 

[machoheadgames]

That's a trilobular thread roller. IMO they work better than a traditional self tapper, and I've seen them in other places in the TJ. The cross section starts out like a swollen triangle (almost like a Wankel rotor) at the tip and then gradually becomes circular as it approaches the head.

They fall under a DIN 7500 standard, if that helps you widen your search.

Are you saying the bolts in my original post are possibly better for this use than the factory? If so, maybe I could just get the 1/4 version of them. I know all these stores have them. They just don’t have the pointy ones like factory (in 1/4-20).

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Are you saying the bolts in my original post are possibly better for this use than the factory? If so, maybe I could just get the 1/4 version of them. I know all these stores have them. They just don’t have the pointy ones like factory (in 1/4-20).

I don't remember the factory ones well enough to know exactly what they were. My comment was just about that pointy Hillman screw on the Lowe's website...it's a good type of screw, if you find them.

 

[machoheadgames]

I don't remember the factory ones well enough to know exactly what they were. My comment was just about that pointy Hillman screw on the Lowe's website...it's a good type of screw, if you find them.

Gotcha. Yes, that is specifically what I’m looking for. The factory ones look identical to that except a bit shorter. Sadly I can’t find that style in 1/4-20 anywhere. I ordered up some overpriced semi rusty OEM stuff from daveys. Ultimately that is the solution for me, was just hoping I could find something local/new. Oh well.

 

[JKP]

Went to Lowe’s. As expected:

View attachment 454834

View attachment 454835

Looks like they changed the product, but not the advertising. Wow.