How to radiator replacement

[stargate69]

Just replacing the radiator really is super easy. Don't be intimidated by it (not that you are, just don't be). Assuming you go with the Koyo/TYC 1998 like most people here do, and like I did last week, it's a drop-in direct fit, with the side brackets already on it. Literally it's just this:
1) Remove your grille (held on by %$^* clips)
2) Remove your skid plates
3) Turn the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator to drain the coolant (~2 gallons)
4) If auto trans, remove the two trans fluid hoses at the bottom (have a pan ready)
5) Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses (the big ones that connect to the engine)
6) Remove 4 small bolts to remove the fan shroud and back it away a few inches
7) Remove 4 larger bolts that hold the radiator side brackets to the truck
8) Lift the radiator out and set aside

Drop the new radiator in and follow the above steps in reverse. Fill with fresh coolant, or just put back in what you drained, and top off your transmission fluid to replace what you lost from those lines. Have a cold beverage.

You could also replace the radiator cap and hoses with new ones, but it's not absolutely necessary if they are still in good shape.

is there a site you got it from? I don't do any heavy driving or off-roading and mine is the 4 cyl engine 4runner. I wanted to upgrade and get an all-aluminum radiator. I'm Alan from Pomona, Ca btw and any help/suggestions/info is greatly appreciated.

 

[stargate69]

Not trying to resurrect an old thread but just wanted to +1 the Denso radiator. I thought there would be some jimmying or fanagling but it fit like it was the stock unit. Seems like awesome quality, too, a little more metal to it than the stock unit. Super easy swap. Burp process worked wonderfully as well and the golf tees were a pretty solid tip. Packaging was quality and it arrived at my door in two days. Do it.

can you let me know what site you got it from & the part number, thank you in advance.

 

[Kccobra03]

Try here....

RockAuto.com has them TYC or Denso and the price is $89.99-90.79.I purchased the Denso

 

[Wakko]

Got a radiator are these slits acceptable or is this something that needs to be returned.

 

[thor999]

can you let me know what site you got it from & the part number, thank you in advance.

+1 here TIA

 

[GTEE1997]

Should I be worried about getting air in the 'artieries' of the automatic transmission when I replace the radiator?

I cannot figure out a good way to change out the radiator and transmission fluid lines without introducing some air into the system, and I am not sure how concerned I should be about it. I would appreciate any technical info about why it is or is not an issue...

FWIW, I plan to use this method, except I do not plan to drop the radiator pan to clean or replace the filter:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1029474-post7.html

 

[MyFirstRunner]

Should I be worried about getting air in the 'artieries' of the automatic transmission when I replace the radiator?

I cannot figure out a good way to change out the radiator and transmission fluid lines without introducing some air into the system, and I am not sure how concerned I should be about it. I would appreciate any technical info about why it is or is not an issue...

FWIW, I plan to use this method, except I do not plan to drop the radiator pan to clean or replace the filter:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1029474-post7.html

Good question, I'm curious too as I think this will be my next job, followed by the LBJ's.

I've watched a couple videos and nobody mentioned that as a watchout.

 

[kball]

Should I be worried about getting air in the 'artieries' of the automatic transmission when I replace the radiator?

I cannot figure out a good way to change out the radiator and transmission fluid lines without introducing some air into the system, and I am not sure how concerned I should be about it. I would appreciate any technical info about why it is or is not an issue...

FWIW, I plan to use this method, except I do not plan to drop the radiator pan to clean or replace the filter:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/1029474-post7.html

No, you don't have to worry about air in the trans fluid system. It's not like diesel fuel system that needs to be primed to get rid of air. The trans pump will pump the fluid through no matter if there's air in there or not.

 

[GTEE1997]

No, you don't have to worry about air in the trans fluid system. It's not like diesel fuel system that needs to be primed to get rid of air. The trans pump will pump the fluid through no matter if there's air in there or not.

Thanks kball

 

[DustinJoints]

Koyo vs Denso radiator, I've narrowed my decision to these two brands.

I'm curious to know how everyone's koyo radiator is holding up?
I've been reading a lot about how the koyo radiators leak and have problems.

 

[Blitz]

Save some time!

Just replacing the radiator really is super easy. Don't be intimidated by it (not that you are, just don't be). Assuming you go with the Koyo/TYC 1998 like most people here do, and like I did last week, it's a drop-in direct fit, with the side brackets already on it. Literally it's just this:
1) Remove your grille (held on by %$^* clips)
.

You do not have to remove the grill!
If you have a universal joint for your ratchet it is fairly easy to remove the three bolts through the grill.
Save time, save headaches!

 

[andrewkitz]

Just switched out my rad in my 01 SR5. Refilled with almost 2 gallons of coolant. Ran on idle with the heat and blower turned up, revved to 2500 rpms for fifteen secs dropped to idle for a minute and repeated four times or so. Drove a few blocks around the neighborhood and everything seemed to run fine, except no heat from the vents and temp gauge spiked almost to red by the time I got home. Less than 10 mins drive time. Any insights from anyone on what might be happening? Is this a normal part of the burp process? Thanks.

 

[UKBookstore]

Radiator

Hi All

Hopefully this isn't a crazy bump, I'm planning to do this replacement soon on a 2001 V6 ltd 4 runner and it's unclear to me which radiator people a getting

I see 2 on amazon that people have been presumably been using but it's unclear to me which one will fit as a direct replacement?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/Koyorad-A199...TF8&qid=1472560916&sr=8-1&keywords=Koyo+1998A


https://www.amazon.com/TYC-1998-Alu...TF8&qid=1472560916&sr=8-2&keywords=Koyo+1998A

 

[Godzola]

This job is definitely worth doing yourself!

I am by no means skilled with car work but was able to do this pretty painlessly.

Just set aside plenty of time so you dont feel rushed it will go faster than you think. The worst part is just waiting for the radiator to drain.

Might as well replace the thermostat while you're in there too. Good luck!

 

[UKBookstore]

Thanks, I think you were talking to me? My main question was which radiator is actually the appropriate one for a 2001 4 runner.

 

[Niteghost]

I am going to be doing this project this weekend, I think I am going to get the denso seems to be better from what I have read.

 

[GangsterOfLove]

The best tip is to use two Sharpie markers to plug the two transmission lines. I didn't lose more than a drop.

Slick! :thumb:

 

[fatherdoug]

Got a radiator are these slits acceptable or is this something that needs to be returned.

I'm about 2 1/2 years late on this......The manufacturer says those slits are put in there to better allow for expansion/contraction of the radiator as it heats/cools. Right or wrong, that is what the manufacturer states.