Does anyone have a link to a radiator replacement site? Is this a easy do-it-youself job or better left to a pro?

 

The radiator is about the easiest part to remove on the truck. Pull the fan, the shroud, the hoses, and like 2 bolts, and it will pretty much fall out of the truck.

 

Can you get a brass one? I still don't trust the aluminum/plastic ones.

 

Aftermarket might have one, but I've never seen it. Using an older (better made) one might work, but only if you could adapt it to the new vehicle. My stock one has worked fine, and I haven't heard too many other people complaining about theirs, so I'd just stick with the stock one...

 

You dont have to remove the fan to get the radiator out .But it does make it easier.just undo the fan shroud and let it lay back over the fan.

 

If anyone has some pictures of where the bolts are to remove and how to remove the fan that would be great. They always seem to help. I've never done this on any vehicle before, but I'd like to learn and be able to do it on my truck. It's always more rewarding doing it yourself. Thanks again.

 

OK, from the Haynes manual again...

Radiator replacement:

1. Disconnect the Negative battery cable

2. Drain the cooling system (There's a little petcock on the passenger side of the radiator, on the bottom, that you use a wrench on to open. Remeber that the bolt part is plastic and not to overtighten it. This will drain MOST of the cooling system, but be prepared to get wet anyway...)

3. Remove the upper/lower radiator hose. (Radiator side) Also disconnect the line to the overflow tank that's right below the radiator cap.

4. Remove the fan shroud screws (there's 2, right on the top, in plain sight) Move the shroud back and "hang" it on the fan.

5. If it's an auto., use two wrenches to disconnect the supply/return lines to the tranny cooler (Remeber to put a pan underneath.) I don't have an auto, so I can't help you with location. Shouldn't be too hard to find, though.

6. Plug the tranny cooler lines and fittings (Dirt and crap in your tranny is BAD)

7. Remove the radiator mounting bolts (There are two, once again right at the top, and in plain sight.

8. Pull up on the radiator, and it should come out almost straight up. Don't forget to wipe spilled antifreeze off your paint.

Installation is the reverse of removal, just remember to fill the cooling system and the auto tranny fluid to within specs.

After you refill the cooling system, start the engine with the radiator cap OFF, until the thermostat opens and hot coolant begins circulating through the radiator. If you leave the cap on, there is a possibility of blowing up/off a radiator hose.

That's all there is. Told you it was simple!

Hope this helps you out!