2005 explorer radiator replace easy or hard?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: Lohman, MO
2005 explorer radiator replace easy or hard?
How many of you have replaced the radiator in a 05 explorer w/v6? Local shop wants $450 and dealer wants $625. They both say the labor is 3.5 hrs and a lift is required for replacement from the bottom.
It doesn't look hard to do, but I could see how it would take some time. With just a quick look at it, I see 4 hoses (3 large and 1 overflow), 4 bolts on shroud, 4 bolts on main bracket, 4 bolts to remove rad. from bracket. There may be other hidden stuff?? Like the one bolt that you have to remove the engine to get to, LOL.
I can get lifetime warranty rad. for $150 + $$ for anti-freeze. Figure I could save almost $280.
Thanks guys.
It doesn't look hard to do, but I could see how it would take some time. With just a quick look at it, I see 4 hoses (3 large and 1 overflow), 4 bolts on shroud, 4 bolts on main bracket, 4 bolts to remove rad. from bracket. There may be other hidden stuff?? Like the one bolt that you have to remove the engine to get to, LOL.
I can get lifetime warranty rad. for $150 + $$ for anti-freeze. Figure I could save almost $280.
Thanks guys.
Last edited by ascheperle; Jan 15, 2014 at 06:27 AM. Reason: change title
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 193
Likes: 34
From: Upstate, SC
Those radiators are tough. It has to come out the bottom. I think you have to dislodge the a/c condenser from the front of the rad. The rad gets hung on the a/c lines as its coming out. PITA. Its been awhile since Ive done one and I had a lift.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 984
Likes: 8
I'll call bull*****. I replaced my rad from the top. It's a pain but it can be done. The big deal is the rad, trans cooler and a/c condenser are all bolted together and are supposed to be R&Red together. If you have a set of rachet box end wrenches just unbolt the rad from them and pull it out the top.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: Lohman, MO
Thanks for all the replys. I ended up letting my buddies body shop do it. I almost forgot that they replaced the rad after I lost a game of chicken with a deer in 2006. The company that he gets them from does offer a lifetime warranty, but he will need to find the invoice. If not, he will give me the rad for his cost and cut a deal for his shop guys labor.
He said it came out the top and was a PITA, just like you guys said.
He said it came out the top and was a PITA, just like you guys said.
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