Replacing radiator - any prep?

[Trunk Monkey]

I'm replacing the radiator, fan clutch, and fan blades next weekend and just wondering if there's any prep work or special tools I should be thinking about before I get into it.

I replaced the rad. on my 60 series several years ago, wasn't hard, just time intensive (and a PITA to get air pockets out of). Looks like the 80 is a lot tighter work space. Should I plan on pulling the ARB off?

Someone will ask - I'm doing the CDan mod and switching from the ringed fan that TRD provided and trying out the 4runner fan. Hopefully nip some cooling issues before the heat of summer and a head gasket.

Thanks for any tips/tricks.

 

[alaskacruiser]

FZJFillmore- someone will also ask if you are replacing with the 93-94 brass or the 95-07 aluminum rad.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Brass, only because I got one that's barely 2 years old from a friend for cheap.

 

[alkaline747trio]

Be prepared to dissassemble more than the FSM says you have to. Be patient. Have everything you need as close at hand as possible. Soak anything that you think might be frozen with PB blaster a few times a day the day before you start to take it out. Have good help.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Or, ignore Alkaline's warning of removing more than the FSM says by reading up on several folks' posts showing how you can remove LESS than the FSM says and trim lots of time off this task. Ditto-ing the PB Blaster - great recommendation. You might consider new rad hoses at the same time.

DougM

 

[alkaline747trio]

Where is(are) this(these) thread(s) about removing less? I searched and never found anything about removing less, if I had, my removal would have gone much smoother.

 

[CJF]

Let's all remember that 91-92 is different than 93+.

Here's one for the later years; maybe the one Doug had in mind:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=39987&highlight=radiator

Curtis

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Nice, I was wondering about the grille and ARB bar. Sounds like I might be able to get away without yanking them?

 

[TCH2FLY]

Nice, I was wondering about the grille and ARB bar. Sounds like I might be able to get away without yanking them?

I just replaced my radiator on Sat. I did not need to remove my grille (or ARB).
I did pull the top sheet metal crossmember, that made it much easier to get to the upper bolts.

I also removed the std batt tray.... that is the easiest way to reach DS lower rad bolts (aux batt stayed in place).