Anyone remove their radiator?? (1 Viewer)

[IdahoDoug]

I was about to pull the radiator this afternoon for replacement when I realized taking the grille out as the FSM recommends still won't allow me access to the upper bolts. These are the bolts that come out the front of the truck up high on the radiator.

From the front, they're recessed deeply and I trial fit a socket/extension and the headlight housing interferes WAY too much, which indicates the headlights have to come out as well and this stopped me as I was already gonna push it on available time. I had already flushed and drained the rad/block and was nosing around waiting for it to heat up again when I noticed the issue.

So, anyone able to pull their radiator without removing the headlights? What did you use for these bolts?? Thanks in advance. This is on the 97.

DougM

 

[stuck in GA]

PM CrusinGA. He replaced the radiator last week and can probably help you out.

 

[cruiserman]

I loosened the AC condensor bolts to get room for the socket to reach the rad bolts. The bottom of the condensor simply plugs into the mount with a piece of rubber. Don't touch the lights.

 

[jaysdead40]

IIRC you need to unbolt the top cross member, hood latch, and related pieces. But I did remove the grill or the headlights. Plan on lots of cuts, scrapes, and cussin.

Jay

 

[IdahoDoug]

Ah. Excellent. Thanks Cman! I see the Idaho contingent is out in force this evening...

DougM

 

[cruiserdan]

I recall unbolting the condensor and using a wobbly. I did not monkey with the headlamps.

Have a beer handy, yer gonna want it....

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Radiator removal modification (while its out) to make removal and installation a breeze in the future:

I have always though that the upper bolts on the radiator was a poor design. I did not like the fact of removing all the grill stuff and moving around the condenser. So when the radiator is out you can remove the welded nuts and install bolts from the front side with a short piece of 1/4 rod welded to the side of the bolt head to keep it from turning and the condenser will keep them in place. Then install nylon nuts from the inside to hold the radiator in place. You will never need to remove or loosen any of the junk on the front to remove the radiator ever again.

 

[mrsalty]

Pictures...........?

 

[Lars]

I have done it a few times and never have had any trouble at all.

I use a 1/4" ratchet with 6" or 8" extension and a universal joint before the socket.

 

[thorvald]

the 91 doesnt require messing with the condenser
I tried to do it without taking the batterytray and all out. I decided it was quicker to do it the FSM way.

on a side note, my 60 requires loosening the condenser to get the radiator out.

 

[GXO]

3FE Powa! Easier in the 3FE flavors for sure.

 

[tucker74]

I recall unbolting the condensor and using a wobbly. I did not monkey with the headlamps.

Have a beer handy, yer gonna want it....

Same when I did it - long extension and a wobbly ...

Tucker

 

[cruiserman]

Same when I did it - long extension and a wobbly ...

Yup.