This install applies to W-Body vehicles from 1988-2008 which includes all models. Transmission lines and radiator hoses may be routed differently if you have the 3.9 and 5.3 engines however the removal and installation is the same.

Parts List

  • Radiator
  • Thermostat
  • Upper Hose
  • Lower Hose
  • Thermostat
  • Hose Clamps

Tools needed

  • 10mm Wrench
  • 13mm Wrench
  • 15mm Wrench
  • 3/8 Drive Rachet
  • ¼ Driver or Rachet with extension
  • 10mm Socket Shallow
  • 13mm Socket Deep
  • 15mm Socket Deep
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • 9/32 socket for bleeder

Removal

  1. Park the car on a level surface and set the Emergency brake.
  2. Remove the top torque mounts and place all hardware together in a safe place.
  3. Remove the 2 radiator support brackets located at the top sides of the radiator.
  4. Optional Remove the 10mm bolts that old the fans in place for easy access to hoses.
  5. Place a drain pan on the driver’s side under the radiator, there will be a valve you can loosen to drain the radiator.
  6. Remove the radiator cap and loosen the valve at the bottom driver’s side of the radiator and let drain into the pan.
  7. While this is draining, you want to place a rag or another pan under the passenger side of the radiator
  8. Remove the retaining clips on each of the transmission hoses or you can unbolt them from the radiator if you have trouble remove the clips.
  9. Once the radiator is drained and the transmission lines are disconnected you want to remove any supports from the transmission lines and or any fan harness wires from their supports to make room to remove the old radiator.
  10. Unbolt the AC lines support on the driver’s side of the radiator
  11. 1997+ Push the top of the radiator forward and lift on the AC condenser to remove it from the clips in the radiator.
  12. Remove the Radiator hoses from the radiator or engine side which ever one is easier and pull up on the radiator and remove from the vehicle.

Installation

  1. Prepping the radiator for installation.
  2. Install new thermostat if needed
  3. Install the new Transmission quick release fittings (1997+)
  4. Mount the fans to the radiator.
  5. Place the radiator in the vehicle.
  6. Align the AC condenser with the radiator clips.
  7. Install any plastic trim if equipped (2002+).
  8. Install the radiator support brackets.
  9. Replace any hardware removed during the removal process.
  10. Plug in the radiator fans and support the harness.
  11. Install the transmission lines (I use red grease to make installation easy and prevent damage to the O-Rings).
  12. Connect the new Hoses and clamps
  13. Make sure the drain valve on the new radiator is closed.
  14. Connect the overflow tank hose.
  15. Open the bleeder valve and proceed to fill the radiator with your choice of coolant, make sure you use the proper mix for your region. I use pure green coolant and do a 50/50 mix.
  16. Once you see coolant coming out of the bleeder valve, turn on the car.
  17. With the cap still off the radiator, monitor the bleeder valve and keep the radiator topped off.
  18. Close the bleeder valve once you see a solid stream of coolant coming from bleeder valve. (DO NOT TORQUE)
  19. Monitor your temps and make sure the fans are coming on around the halfway point (220 degrees F is stock)
  20. Check for leaks
  21. Let car cool down and top off radiator and reservoir tank.