Aluminum Radiator Install w/ timing and pump

Getting closer to completion. Yes, that is a tablet on top so we can watch Timmy's video to keep from fucking this up.

 

I'm curious to know how much more antifreeze the new radiator will use compared to the stock radiator

 

It's hard to tell exactly because there is residual water in the system and heater core, but when we filled it, we put around 10.5 quarts in.

 

Looks good so far, lets see how the shroud will fit, that's my only concern because it's a smaller radiator in height

 

pretty sure its like that because of the coolant flow in this engine. might be wrong though.

 

The shroud will have to be cut if you're trying to use this on a 6 cyl, auto. It hits the petcock with this much room left to go down.

If you put the full (uncut) shroud all the way down, it covers the bottom radiator hose fitting and all the oil line fittings.

I just cut mine. If I decide I don't like it that way, I'll get a different one off a parts truck. Here's as best I could do for a pic with the shroud on.

 

So here's how the radiator sits in it's new home.


Decided, while I had the grill off, I'd paint the horns red. Because screw it... they might look cool that way.


And there we go... aaaaaand DONE!

 

If anyone is debating doing the Water pump / timing belt... all I can say is DO IT.

We (obviously) let the truck run while filling the Coolant. Bringing it up to operating temp etc.

The truck runs NOTICABLY smoother... like A LOT smoother. I don't notice nearly the amount of exhaust smell, comparing to a couple days ago, running it in the exact same spot while flushing the cooling system.

And I don't know if it was the timing belt or the Lucas oil/mobile one oil change but the "Taco tick" is bearly noticable now.

 

Added a lil piece of 'Merica for a finishing touch.

 

So that thermostat that they sent that was wrong, was it physically obvious that it was the wrong part or did it look the same as the correct one?

 

It was obviously wrong (smaller)... and just for the record, Aircabinman had already sent me an email. that it might be incorrect, before it even arrived.

It was an honest mistake, and Aircabinman IS working to make it right 100%.

 

I only asked because I installed the same kit from him last month but didn’t bother to check the part numbers but I compared everything side by side and it looked correct. It also functions correctly so I wasn’t too worried.

 

So did you cut the top of the shroud off or the bottom?, if I do this swap I probably would want the 4 banger shroud if it fits so it sucks only from the radiator fin area

 

I cut the bottom of the shroud. I just needed this to get on the road today. If I decide I don't like it, I have a guy that has a 4cyl 5lug parts truck. He said he has the shroud if I need it.

Honestly, I don't think the bottom of the shroud serves much purpose. There's really not a lot of air movement (outside the fan sucking air) down there with our skid plates.

 

Added another piece of fanciness.

 

Bump, how's this working so far for you?

 

I think I'm going to go this route - I already have a new rad waiting, but it just cost me $100 so I can probably get most of my money back or keep it as a trail spare.

 

thinking the same. but I gotta get some leaf springs in

 

meh

 

what the NO....