New radiator coming - anyone done this installation? Any tips?

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bamaguy

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The new radiator for my fiancée's 2001 LS v6 should be shipping today. I was wondering how many of y'all have done this installation and if there are any special tips. I have heard pulling it from the bottom is easier, but I'm not sure I can get the car high enough off the ground.

I have already replaced the hydraulic fan with an electric fan, so that part should be easier. What about the AC condenser or any other connections? Is the tranny fluid connected to it?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
I haven't replaced one, but I can tell you:
1. There are no transmission connections to the radiator. There is a separate oil-to-air cooler in front of the radiator for that.
2. No need to open the refrigerant connections to the condenser.
 
Haven't done the job myself but I can tell you that alldata instructs you to remove it from below. It says to remove the condenser, but it doesn't say anything about disconnecting the lines - I assume that means you don't have to open the system. You don't have to touch tranny lines.
 
It will come out the top but its tricky and very tight. I have taken 3 LS radiators out the top.
 
Guys - thank you for your input. I guess I'm just going to have to plan a whole day and tackle the elephant one bite at a time. I'm hoping that since I have already converted to an electric fan, that will make the job easier.
 
There is a tech article in the tech article section for performing the radiator install/removal. However its for the Gen II. I'm not sure how much the two differ, but you might be able to reference it.
 
I did the job about a year ago, I went from the top, and my advice to you is go from the bottom. I didn't have any jack stands or a jack that would get the car high enough for clearance. And right after the change which took me eight hours to do. I went and bought the jack and stands.
 
Where the problem comes in when removing it from the top, the lower hose mount gets caught up on the a/c lines and the abs pump is in the way on the passenger side, which makes it hard to pull out and drop in but it can be down you just have to take your time and work it down in there being careful not to damage anything.
 
I pulled mine from the top, but I removed the condenser and dryer. You would have to severely bend the AC lines to pull the radiator without removing them first.
 
That also gave me a good excuse to replace the dryer, and clean the condenser and then paint it black. I don't regret it.
 
3.9-LS said:
I pulled mine from the top, but I removed the condenser and dryer. You would have to severely bend the AC lines to pull the radiator without removing them first.
Click to expand...

Let me ask what may seem to be a completely self-evident question, but did you remove the fan and shroud assembly completely from the car or just unbolt it?
 
I unbolted mines and laid it on top of the motor. To get it out of the way you have to remove the line that connects in the center of the fan motor. Use a open hand wrench it's a pain to get at cause the sides sit up high and tight.
 
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