Radiator Replacement write-up?

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I used the FSM instructions (available in the links here). It was pretty straight forward, the hardest part for me was getting to the dang coolant drains on the block. If I were to do it over, I wouldn't bother with them and would just drain the radiator.

I used an Autozone replacement because it was cheap and had a lifetime warranty. I didn't go with a "$uperior" OEM part because I wasn't impressed with the original one failing with less than 90k on the clock.
 
EDITED: I just learned that 4th gens take Toyota Pink so I deleted my original post talking about flushing with distilled water and then topping off with straight Red.


Radiator wise, Denso I think makes the OEM radiator. Mine went 190k but it was leaking by then. NAPA replacement was 1/3rd the price, lifetime warranty.
 
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wnelax04sr5

Nice build. Thanks for the write up on the radiator swap. If I'm going to swapp out the radiator do you suggest I add the tranny cooler?
 
I would add the tranny cooler. Look on Ebay for one. You can use any V8 4R year.
The radiator swap is very easy on the 4R, you will be just fine.
 
yes, replace your thermostat too. while it's disconnected, blow some air in the engine to squeeze out all the fluid then install all the parts afterwards and refill with new coolant. please note not to flush it with tap water since doing that will put more contaminant in there.

also, make sure when emptying the coolant, the engine is not warm at all or has just been turned off. the engine should be cool.

geenowalker said:
Is there a write up anywhere on how to replace the radiator? Toying with the idea as I believe I have a crack. I saw this post and was wondering if the same applies.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/115475-how-radiator-replacement.html

Also..is KOYO the brand that is pretty much a direct replacement?

Anything else to replace? Thermostat...etc

thanks,

Gene

2005 SR5
Dakota gold
235K
V6 auto.
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I replaced my radiator with a KOYO and it seemed like a good replacement, i did end buying some replacement transmission line clamps, had a hell of a time trying to get the original compress clamps back on so just used clamps that tighten with a screw

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Just got a Koyo delivered today ($150 on fleabay) to replace my weeping stocker with 121k miles on it. Timely for this thread to pop back up and good instructions posted. Thanks!
 
blackoutt said:
Just got a Koyo delivered today ($150 on fleabay) to replace my weeping stocker with 121k miles on it. Timely for this thread to pop back up and good instructions posted. Thanks!
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Did you already have it replaced? And if so, how easy was it? What was the name of the vendor? (Because some of them sell YTC brands but sell as koyo). Thanks

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Qnbrew88 said:
Did you already have it replaced? And if so, how easy was it? What was the name of the vendor? (Because some of them sell YTC brands but sell as koyo). Thanks

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Might not be a real koyo since the logo isn't right in the listing but I'll try it. Quality looks fine coming out of the box. I'm installing it tonight, guessing it'll take 4hr or so longest part being getting the trans up to temp and topping back off to appropriate level.

Radiator Koyorad 1640050300 For: Toyota 4Runner Lexus GX470 2003 - 2009 4.7 V8 | eBay
 
blackoutt said:
Might not be a real koyo since the logo isn't right in the listing but I'll try it. Quality looks fine coming out of the box. I'm installing it tonight, guessing it'll take 4hr or so longest part being getting the trans up to temp and topping back off to appropriate level.

Radiator Koyorad 1640050300 For: Toyota 4Runner Lexus GX470 2003 - 2009 4.7 V8 | eBay
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Hmm.. yeah under manufacturer it does say "high quality" instead of koyo. That seems kinda odd.
I hope you dont lose too much trans fluid. Let us know how it turns out please! Thanks!

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Fellas. If someone could lighten me up on this please. It looks like spilling some trans fluid is def a possibility in which case i should buy a quart of fluid just in case. The problem is, which fluid shouldi buy? Still running stock trans fluid at 105k miles on my 04. Gracias

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Qnbrew88 said:
Fellas. If someone could lighten me up on this please. It looks like spilling some trans fluid is def a possibility in which case i should buy a quart of fluid just in case. The problem is, which fluid shouldi buy? Still running stock trans fluid at 105k miles on my 04. Gracias

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I just got a quart from the dealer, just in case. Didn't need it. Spilled very little.
 
Okay so it was only a 2hr job. 10mm. 12mm. Pliers. Super long extensions to get lower rad bolts out through bumper without removing anything. Lost maybe 3oz of trans fluid so I'll double check later but not worried about driving it. Kind of mad I bought a couple extra quarts of ws. Oh well good to have spare fluids. Only other tip would be for v8 owners to remove the two 12mm head bolts for the oil cooler line brackets that go into the under side of the lower rad support to allow the lines to push back and slide the shroud out easier.
 
Went back to top off trans fluid today following the proper trans temp check steps and didn't have to add any. Turns out I had a little extra in there anyway. And here's my leak. Bottom corner of drivers side, not bad at all but I could smell coolant when parking every once in a while and would rather replace now than get stranded somewhere.

Also do you guys scrap old radiators for cash or are they just junk?

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Yes this is timely [MENTION=117708]blackoutt[/MENTION] since mine seems to be leaking in the same spot as yours. I'm changing the oil and just noticed the crusty pink signs. My 2007 has 135k.
 
Going to knock this out this weekend. Radiators tend to be pretty easy so I'm not too concerned about it. Thanks for the nice references just in case though!

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It’s about one of the easiest things to do on the 4R. Just remember to loosen the 4 12 mm nuts holding on the fan clutch before you take the belt off. Makes it much easier.
 
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