1996 4Runner Radiator Replacement

[trtalley01]

I have a 96 4Runner 4WD Limited

My Radiator just went to hell on me and I was wondering if anyone has a link or a write up that will show me how to complete this job. I do well with pictures if ya know what I mean. :shrug:

 

[PitbullRescuer]

It's very easy. If you're a visual person, open the hood and look at it. Pull a few hoses, remove the grill, loosen the fan shroud, undo 4 bolts and you're good to go. It can be done in 30 minutes.

But, pull the thermostat, flush the system and throw a new thermostat in at the same time for good measure.

 

[amalik]

I plan to do this job this weekend.

2000 4Runner Radiator Swap - YotaTech Forums

 

[airmax233]

It's very easy. If you're a visual person, open the hood and look at it. Pull a few hoses, remove the grill, loosen the fan shroud, undo 4 bolts and you're good to go. It can be done in 30 minutes.

But, pull the thermostat, flush the system and throw a new thermostat in at the same time for good measure.

Wait the thermostat can be replaced without removing the timing belt cover and stuff? just wondering

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Wait the thermostat can be replaced without removing the timing belt cover and stuff? just wondering

Sure can. It on the engine side of the lower hose. 3 nuts. It can be replaced without evening removing the radiator hose.

 

[airmax233]

Sure can. It on the engine side of the lower hose. 3 nuts. It can be replaced without evening removing the radiator hose.

Aghhh nice to know, but I guess its pointless to change the thermostat only at least for me since I have to get my water pump and timing belt change.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Aghhh nice to know, but I guess its pointless to change the thermostat only at least for me since I have to get my water pump and timing belt change.

Yeah, a new thermostat should be part of the kit you buy. Might as well do it all at once. But when you do it, I highly recommend you give the cooling system a thorough flush including both front and rear heater cores.

 

[amalik]

I disagree with you Pitbull, albeit respectfully

If he goes with an OEM Thermostat, I could see the argument for replacing it... but if it's aftermarket and nothing is wrong with his current thermostat, there shouldn't be a need to replace stuff just because it's 'near' other stuff.

I've seen threads on this forum where people run into serious cooling issues because of garbage aftermarket thermostats when nothing was wrong with their OEM.

Yeah, a new thermostat should be part of the kit you buy. Might as well do it all at once. But when you do it, I highly recommend you give the cooling system a thorough flush including both front and rear heater cores.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

I disagree with you Pitbull, albeit respectfully

If he goes with an OEM Thermostat, I could see the argument for replacing it... but if it's aftermarket and nothing is wrong with his current thermostat, there shouldn't be a need to replace stuff just because it's 'near' other stuff.

I've seen threads on this forum where people run into serious cooling issues because of garbage aftermarket thermostats when nothing was wrong with their OEM.

No offense taken but I didn't suggest an after market thermostat. (although I did just put one in my most recent 4R.) When I do a timing belt, I buy the AirCabinMan OEM kit. I am assuming that he would also use an OEM parts kit when doing his timing belt/water pump job. And if he does, I'd replace the thermostat at that time. And if it's just a radiator swap and coolant flush, I'd also replace a thermostat at that time. The only way to truly flush it IMO is to pull the thermostat out before you flush, so you might as well replace it, even if it is an after market unit. And for the record, I've never read a thread on here where someone had issues with an after market thermostat.