Help Needed: Radiator

Long story short, there is a mysterious hole in the front of my radiator according to the dealership. They quoted me $450 for the part, not including labor or other parts they said they may need additionally like the water pump and that my warranty wasn't going to cover it. That being said, i'd like to look in to getting it fixed on my own. If nothing else, it gives me an opportunity to learn more about my truck.

I've read the terms "plug and play" in regards to a radiator but I also couldn't find much information regarding 2005+ Tacomas. So these are my questions:

Is the OEM Radiator the way to go? Or could I just as easily use a different one?

Will I need any specialty tools? I have sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers...

Thanks!

 

See these:

 

Personally, I'd go with an aftermarket radiator. I've had good luck with stuff from Rockauto and they have them for about $100. There's probably a 5% off coupon on this site somewhere too.

 

Wow, thanks for those! Where can I find the entire document?

 

Awesome, thanks for the heads up! Much better pricepoint for me.

 

10% rockauto discount here. Look at the rockauto vendor thread