Buy Dodge Challenger Radiator Support

Below is a deep-dive on the Dodge Challenger radiator support-also called the core support, rad support, tie-bar, front radiator frame, or cooling cradle.

What It Does

What It Does

The radiator support is a steel-, aluminum-, or reinforced-plastic frame that locks the radiator, A/C condenser, cooling fans, and hood latch in place, keeping them square with the fenders and bumper. (CarParts) It keeps the heavy cooling stack from shaking, helps align the front sheet-metal, and guides crash loads toward the main rails to protect passengers. (european-aluminium.eu)

Model Coverage

Model Coverage

• Fits every Dodge Challenger on the LX/LA platform (2008-2023), including SXT, R/T, Scat Pack, SRT 392, Hellcat, and Demon trims. (Wikipedia)
• Upper cross-member part numbers such as 5065240AH (2008-14) and 68292240AA (2017-25) appear in the official FCA parts catalog. (Mopar eStore, Mopar eStore)

Failure Signs

Failure Signs

• Hood or fenders sit uneven after a front bump. (JustAnswer)
• New squeaks, rattles, or clunks from the nose of the car. (CarParts)
• Coolant temperatures rise or steam escapes because the radiator shifted. (Cutter Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Honolulu)
• Headlamps or grille no longer line up with mounting holes. (Challenger Talk)

Common Damage

Common Damage

Front-end collisions, curb strikes, rust around mounting bolts, or heat-soaked plastic all weaken the support. (, Hagerty) Even minor fender-bender loads can wrinkle the thin metal cross-member, throwing the whole cooling stack out of alignment. (european-aluminium.eu)

Inspection Tips

Inspection Tips

1. Remove the top sight shield and shine a flashlight along the seam; look for bowing or cracked composite. (JustAnswer)
2. Check bolt heads for orange rust dust; that means moisture is trapped. (Challenger Talk)
3. Measure diagonal lengths between fender bolt holes-more than 3 mm out means the frame is bent. (Mitchell 1)

Replacement Steps

Replacement Steps

1. Disconnect battery.
2. Drain coolant into a clean pan to reuse later. (JustAnswer)
3. Remove fascia, headlamp brackets, and hood latch.
4. Support the radiator with wire or a jack pad.
5. Unbolt upper tie-bar and lower cross-member (4-8 bolts). (Challenger Talk)
6. Transfer rubber isolators and clips to the new frame.
7. Torque fasteners to spec (19 ft-lb on 2015+ upper bar).
8. Refill coolant, burp the system, and road-test.

Average do-it-yourself time is 3-4 hours; labor guides list roughly 2.8 book hours for professionals. (kb.mitchell1.com)

Materials & Design

Materials & Design

Later Challengers use a nylon-and-fiberglass upper bar bonded to thin-gage steel rails-light but stiff. (eBay) Earlier 2008-14 cars rely on all-steel weldments. Both versions bolt to the frame rails with crush-tabs that help absorb energy in a crash. (european-aluminium.eu)

Cooling Links

Cooling Links

Because the support clamps the radiator and condenser, a loose frame lets those parts vibrate, risking leaks or fan blade strikes. An overheating engine from a wandering radiator can lead to warped heads. (J.D. Power, YourMechanic)

Safety Role

Safety Role

Engineers design the core support to deform in a controlled "S" bend, protecting the passenger cell and allowing pedestrian-friendly crush space. (ResearchGate) Reinforcements behind the bumper channel crash loads into the front rails. (ResearchGate)

Cost & Time

Cost & Time

• Part price: $90-$430 depending on trim and package. (Mopar eStore)
• Labor: 2-4 hours at shop rates; national averages run $300-$500 installed. (RepairPal.com)
  DIY costs mostly hinge on coolant and fastener kits.

Related Parts

Related Parts

When replacing a rad support, inspect:

• Radiator and condenser mounting pins.
• Fan shroud grommets.
• Hood latch and cable.
• Upper load-path beams (they bolt through the same panel). (Mopar eStore)
• Bumper energy absorbers that marry to the lower cross-member. (european-aluminium.eu)

Maintenance Tips

Maintenance Tips

• Rinse road salt from the nose in winter to stop rust at bolt holes. (Challenger Talk)
• Inspect plastic tie-bar every oil change; heat cycles make it brittle. (Hagerty)
• Touch-up paint chips on the steel lower bar before corrosion starts. (Challenger Talk)

Frequently Asked Questionss

Q: Is the radiator support the same as the bumper reinforcement?
A: No. The bumper beam sits in front of the radiator support and sees the initial crash load, while the support holds cooling parts in place behind it. (european-aluminium.eu)

Q: Can I drive with a bent core support?
A: It may drive, but cooling parts can rub the fan or leak, and misaligned headlights hurt night visibility. Fix it soon. (JustAnswer)

Q: What tools do I need?
A: Basic metric sockets, Torx bits for headlamps, trim-clip pliers, a torque wrench, and coolant catch pan. (JustAnswer)

Q: Does the radiator need to come out?
A: On 2015-23 Challengers you can suspend the radiator in place with wire while swapping the support, saving time and coolant. (JustAnswer)

Q: How do I know if I have the composite or steel upper bar?
A: Tap it-composite sounds dull and feels warm; steel rings and feels cold. The composite bar is used on most 2015-up models. (eBay)

Q: Will aftermarket hood pins damage the tie-bar?
A: Only if holes are drilled off-center or left un-sealed; sealing prevents future rust. (Challenger Talk)

Q: Can rust form on the plastic cover?
A: The cover itself is plastic, but bolts and underlying steel can corrode if paint is scratched. (Challenger Talk)

Q: Does a bad support cause overheating?
A: Yes. If the radiator tilts or the fan shroud contacts blades, airflow drops and temps rise. (J.D. Power)

Q: What torque should I use on upper support bolts?
A: Most LX/LA Challengers call for about 19 ft-lb (25 N·m) on the M8 bolts. Always confirm in the service manual for your year.

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