Update:
So I finished taking off the crash bar and I really was grateful for my lift, I just plopped the crash bar on 2 buckets and an extra jack stand for good measure. I actually recommend the crash bar route as I had SO much more room to work with, go this way and you are much likely to damage your radiators or ac compressors.
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Anyways, I found out the reason I was having a tough time height wise:
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I did NOT see this without taking the crash bar out. Worth it!
SO were about 1 hr into it, I followed the advice to start modifying the tabs (I used a Dremel with #115 bit, it shaves aluminum pretty well.) I shave the tabs enough so the bottom aluminum tabs can slip under the AC Compressor, took some time but it eventually makes sit in. Alright, time to line it up and start assembling again!
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Remember this issue? Turns out that applies to the whole assembly. everything is off by a quarter inch. I would have to cut the entire passenger side's plastic Radiator fitment to make this work. Unfortunately I'm one joe with not enough hands or experience to cut whole sections behind the AC compressor with Freon lines still connected. So I spent the next 3 hours going back to stock radiator, assembling the crash bar and bumper, filling the coolant, and hanging my hat again. I wasted $400 to drain and fill new coolant, basically. At least I put some good worm clamps on the radiator and intake hoses!
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