Crash bracket

[PICKUP6772]

Hey gang,
I have to do the intake manifold on my 2010 Town Car. As a bus/truck mechanic, I'm familiar with replacing the intakes on the E/F series trucks/vans. I was checking the removal procedure on the Mitchell Pro program, and they mention the disconnection/removal of the "CRASH BRACKET", but they do not elaborate on what this looks like, or it's function. It does state "DO NOT LET IT COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CYLINDER HEAD". Any Info, and pictures would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Mike

[sly]

Is it the large metal plate in front of the fuel rail connection on the passenger side?

[PICKUP6772]

Sly,
I honestly don't know. And now we're in the middle of a snowstorm, so I can't even look at it right now.

[marquisman]

Its the large metal bracket on the driverside, behind engine/ back of intake. It protects the fuel rail in an crash. It was the worst part of the intake job on my '07 town. A stubby ratchet wrench will help.

[Pvt.Hudson]

I cut the crash bracket in half so if there is a next time I won't have to deal with it. Removing the wiper cowl makes removing the bracket 100% easier.



Bracket can be seen upper right.

[Mr Bean]

There are 2 crash brackets. One in the front and one in the back.

This is the front one.



This is the rear one.

[PICKUP6772]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the response, and pics. PVT. Hudson, removing the cowl panel is actually the first line in the removal process, in the Mitchell program. Mr. Bean, thank you for the pics. Now I have a better idea as to what I'm in for. While the intake is out, I'll also be doing the blower module, and all the heater, and radiator hoses, and the intake valley pipe, and block connector. The hoses are being replaced with CV interceptor silicone hoses. And while I'm at it, I'm going to replace the water pump.

Thanks, Mike

[tbear853]

The rear one ... on a stand, just about dead center in the picture.

[PICKUP6772]

tbear853,
Thank you. Now the rest of the pics are making sense. The only thing now, is the warning about not letting the bracket contact the cylinder head. I thought, maybe there was wiring involved. Does anyone have any idea why, or have had any issues on that front?
Thanks, Mike

[Pvt.Hudson]

No idea. The crash bracket installs over the intake and the back of the head. It has a hole for a plastic push tree wire holder. If you get a proper size bolt you can just eliminate the bracket all together. Earlier cars didn't have that bracket and the fuel rail was on the drivers side as well.

I just cut mine in half cause I didn't feel like searching for a bolt size that would fit. The bolt that holds the bracket/intake is much longer then the normal intake bolts.

[GM_Guy]

I'd guess the correct direction of install doesn't touch the head, have it backwards/upsidedown/wrongwayaround it'll jam into the head and not function as intended in a crash.

[jaywish]

That looks like a fun R&R in the car.

[PICKUP6772]

That looks like a fun R&R in the car.

Jaywish, it is not bad at all, at least in the vans/pickups. It is actually easier than the 5.0/5.8 intakes. I just never had to deal with a "CRASH BRACKET" before, and I didn't want to just jump in, and run into unnecessary issues.
MIKE

[PICKUP6772]

Update guys.
Finally got to installing the intake. Except for a frozen thermostat bolt, the job went well. The crash brackets came out with no issues.(Thank you Gearwrench!!) I was a bit worried about the intake bolts, as almost ALL the bolt heads were rusted round. Thankfully, with the help of a BOLT OUT kit, they came out easily. I was able to order all the hardware new from Ford. After 8 months, I have my car back. Again, thank you guys for all the answers to my questions.
Mike

[tbear853]

You are an inspiration.

I know, easy job, but one I have put off a long time. Not needed yet perhaps is my reason. I have it's replacement (improved '03 version, resealed aluminum to the plastic with JBWeld bonding and beefed up the rear plastic nipple with copper tube JBWelded inside) on "stand-by" even, want to do it just to update an all plastic intake on a '01, but winter is too cold and then there's "tomorrow" until it isn't. Truth is I guess I'm just not worried about it enough yet.