Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) window screen in front of radiator???

[THenningsen]

Seems I've read on here about people putting a piece of window screen behind the grill to keep out bugs and other debris. What works best? Should I buy one in the frame or the stuff on the roll?

 

[OL RATLR]

Seems I've read on here about people putting a piece of window screen behind the grill to keep out bugs and other debris. What works best? Should I buy one in the frame or the stuff on the roll?

I just used a piece off of a roll.

 

[Hohn]

Just buy a roll and cut off enough to double it over and cover the radiator and such.

Doubling it over prevents big from getting stuck in things, and you can clean the carcasses out by just tapping on the screen a bit.

I have 50K miles on my truck this way, and it works like a charm. It's the first "bomb" I did to the truck-- at 800 miles on it!

 

[JMundinger]

I put regular window screen on the back side of the grill and held it on with pull ties and went on a 6000 mile trip. It worked great. JOE. 2005 3500 SW 4wd Lond bed automatic 410 rear Lance camper & trailer with a hog inside

 

[LJFiler]

I just used a piece that I cut from a roll. I put it on as soon as i got the truck home from the dealer. I have 23,000 on my 05 no problems. I also did this with my 01 it has over 100,000 no problems either.

 

[ScottLewis]

I did the same on my '98 soon after bringing it home. I've driven some of the most bug ridden roads in America, including the Alcan and to the Arctic Circle. Most of the time, all that needs to be done is to shake the screen occasionally to rid it of debris. I used cable ties to hold it to the cross braces in front of the radiator.

I'll turn over 100K this month and still love the truck. My wife suggested buying a new one a couple of months ago. I said why?



Dan

 

[The patriot]

I've been running one in a frame in front of my 1998's radiator since day one.

It's a helluva lot easier to clean the screen than the condenser,intercooler and radiator.

Eric

 

[D.Inman]

ditto to the above. Screen works great as described.

 

[RDyson]

I used the black nylon screen. I draped it in front of all the coolers and down under the radiator to catch what comes through the bumper. Zip tied it in place. The black is less easily seen through the grille.

 

[lsenus]

Ditto on the black screen. Just cut it long enough to reach all the way down to handle the inlets in the bumper. Zip tie it to the radiator support member and you're good to go.

 

[blacksheep4x4]

I put a piece of hardware cloth in front of mine. Used the stuff with 1/8 inch squares. Works great and I have 186,345 miles on the truck with no probles. You can pick this stuff up at any Ace Hardware store or Home Depot.

 

[RClark]

FIA makes screens that go on the front of the grill. Makes it a lot easier to clean when they get bugladen

 

[donnier]

On my 2000, I found a complete screen with frame someone had thrown away.

Took it and cut the frame of the screen to mount on the front of the radiator.

Worked great.



I wanted to do the same thing on my 05 but there isnt any room for it.

 

[THenningsen]

Thanks for all the responses. Does anyone have any pictures? Does doubling the screen over restrict too much air?

 

[RClark]

Go to www.gofia.com and see what they have to offer.

 

[SnoKing]

If you tow you most likely do not want to do that. For that matter, why would anyone want to restrict the amount of air that can flow thru the radiator. You put on big air intakes, fuel line etc, then you want to block air to radiator. Put you shop vac on blowing and hold the screen up and feel the lack of air on the other side. With some talking about heat killing the VP44, why? SNOKING

 

[Hohn]

Well, I rarely tow, and my engine never really as to work hard.

I lost a VP at 40K miles with no wire tap.

I doubt the restriction posed by window screen is a significant factor in VP44 life.

Heck, it's barely significant in COOLANT temps, even when towing heavy. .

 

[The patriot]

I tow an 8K TT on occasion.

I've noticed a lot more of a difference going from the stock bumper to the UTE than I've seen with and without the screen.

BTW if you bought a properly valved engine you wouldnt be worried about the VP44.

Eric

 

[RClark]

I tow a 13k 5th wheel. I'v used a FIA screen since I got the truck and used one on my prevbioous truck. I've never had an overheating problem that was caused by the screen.

 

[Royal]

I have been running a screen on my 99 since new July 99. I used the fiberglass and had the wife sew a 1 inch hem around edges. comes in black or grey. I used the two bolts that or in the top brace to mount it. When I refuel in bug country, I just grab both sides and give it a shake and the bugs fall on the ground. Best thing since sliced bread.