Need help changing a radiator

[silentbill515]

My Haynes Repair Manual 1991-2001 book is missing & I need to replace a bad radiator. Does anyone happen to know a site that could help me with instructions. I need to know basically everything. Thanx much in advance/

 

[Blee1099]

its pretty easy..remove the two upper & lower radiator hoses, two transmission lines, the shroud and retaining bolts.

 

[Purdue72]

Well I'll give it a shot:
1.you'll have to get your fan off, and that's a lot easier if you get the special tool from Autozone ($35 deposit to "rent").
2. remove fan shroud, two bolts on top and it pulls right out.
3. drain your radiator either by the small "drain valve" or if your impatient remove the lower hose. (either way have a bucket ready)
4. remove upper and lower hoses from the radiator as well as the little "overflow" tube that runs to your overflow tank.
5. there will be two more bolts similar to the shroud holding the top of the radiator to the body, get those and lean it towards the engine a little while pulling it up and out.

Its not to bad of a job.
If it were me this would be a good time to inspect and maybe replace your radiator hoses. I would also replace the Thermostat at this point but thats just me.

 

[Purdue72]

OH yes the tranny lines, completely forgot about those.

 

[Purdue72]

Now that I think about it, you might be able to skip the fan part, maybe. Try that first, you might have enough room.

 

[silentbill515]

Thanx for the quick responses. I'm having a friend coming over who knows more about this than I do. I know how to put gas in and how to start and drive the truck. It's all a learning process. When I went to find my book it was just gone. I'm sure it'll turn up after this is done. I appreciate any other tips anyone can give.

 

[TheRookie]

ok as detailed as i can get being tired as hell.
Drain coolant from petcock.
Disconnect both upper and lower hoses
Disconnect 2 tranny cooler lines. Use line wrenches for this
Remove fan with ford fan clutch tool (looks like a giant wrench) Hit the end of it with a hammer to break it loose if need be. (RIGHT HAND THREAD)
remove 2 bolts holding shroud at the top of the shroud
Pull out the fan and shroud all together being carefull not to damage the rad.
Remove the rad hold downs (2 bolts) and lift it out.
Reverse to install.

 

[EliteConcept]

when i changed my radiator on my 92 we didn't have to remove the fan or clutch fan...just drained...removed hoses, removed shroud...and removed radiator...

i think...my memory could be fuzzy and missing something

 

[MONMIX]

You DO NOT need to remove the fan to do a radiator swap.

The hardest part will be the removal of the hoses and lines.
Some WD-40 inside the lip of the hose will help.
When you put the new rad in spray the inlet and out let with WD-40 the hoses will slide right on.

It is a messy job but not hateful.

 

[jgilbs]

when u put the new radiaor in, be sure the "pegs" of the radiator line up with the "sockets" of the frame. i forgot about these and spent about an hour trying to put the fan back on, only to realize that the radiator was tilted so the fan WOULDNT fit in.

 

[TheRookie]

true you can leave the fan in when changing the rad. However its not a good idea. too easy to damage the new one when sliding it inbetween the shroud and rad support. the shroud can not be removed from the truck with the rad and fan in place without bending things more than you should

 

[silentbill515]

Got it done. Thanks again everyone.

 

[Glacier991]

GREAT! Glad to hear. How about describing the process for other newbies - describe what you did and learned in the process? It would be much appeciated!

 

[rocco123]

Just replaced mine last month on my '94. NO need to remove the fan. Just unbolt the shroud 2 top bolts is all that holds the shroud, 2 that hold the rad.
bottom of the rad has pegs, bottom of shroud held by clips that first attach to the rad.

It ain't no big deal