2002 4.6l radiator change

[20EddieBauer02]

So I'm sure any of you that's changed one of these radiators knows how lovely it is to get to the bassackwards bolts.

Anyhow, I've got all the skins off and I was thinking, why not break the bottom radiator tabs off and getting it out and then take the bolt retainer off the new one and put on the support and put the bolts in like they should be, anyone see why this wouldn't work?
Thanks in advance

 

[dla]

(1) You gotta figure out a way to make the captive nut stay on the thin metal of the support (2) has to clear the tubes of the transcooler. Solve those two issues and your solution will work.

I agree that the design of the condenser/cooler/radiator sandwich wasn't well thought-out for home replacement. Harbor Freight flexible driver & extendible screw driver, and 8mm nut driver are your friends.

 

[20EddieBauer02]

I think I can make that work, I'm gonna rip the old radiator out this evening and see how it goes. I'll let you all know

 

[20EddieBauer02]

Ok, here's what I did.

Took everything apart like you are supposed to.
Got a new spectra premium radiator, I took the captive nuts off the radiator and pinched them together and put them on the supports.

I put the trans cooler and condenser back in, then put the radiator in, they all went in like they should EXCEPT for the PASENGER side TOP bolt for the radiator, I had to put it in like it originally went due to the thin opening not allowing the bolt to fit.

So it's all back together and ready to blow apart again.