Hey guys,
Like the title states, I was wondering if it is possible to use a traction bar crossmember as a full replacement for the lower rad support on a 98 coupe. I am having a hard time finding the answer to this, and the reason I'm asking is because my lower rad support is pushed back several inches where it is folded in the center from the previous owner wrecking it. Rather than having a new rad support welded in, I was curious if I could use a ktuned traction bar or similar with the radiator mount brackets to replace the rad support entirely and just cut the old one out. I would like to restore proper radiator replacement, plus the current lower rad support has nearly zero clearance to my intercooler piping. I already had to pound a piece of it out of the way because it rubbed a hole in the piping and now it just rubs slightly in a different spot.

 

Radiator supports aren't terribly expensive and once you drill out the spot welds you can bolt the new one in place. If you use good bolts with lock washers it will be fine.

Or aircraft grade rivets

If you are going too rig it, that's the way i would do it

 

on my del sol this was the option I used, everything mounted to the traction bar due to fitment problems.

 

I have access to a radiator support, actually. I just figured it was something that would need to be welded back in, and was considering using only the traction bar the way it appears rudebwoy has it set up just for the convenience. I was also considering using either additional radiator brackets on the traction bar, or making something similar to mount my fmic core to. I guess I have options to consider, but that picture seems to be the answer to my original question.