TheRedMamba
Newbie
Yo! A little expertise please! I've recently been dealing with a busted upper radiator hose connection, so I'm needing to replace the entire radiator. Here's my plan....
I went to the boneyard Saturday and scored a super clean 41" radiator out of a 1 ton Sierra, obviously Babygirl came from the factory with a 36" radiator. From what I can see.... It appears it will be a fairly easy swap. Yes I have the factory tow package therefore I have both transmission and oil cooler lines. As far as this swap, has anyone done it or something similar and have any pointers, advice, or instruction? Is anyone able to confirm this swap as valid and doable? Side note, I've done the Big 3 (5) Upgrade, the 4 Hi Upgrade, and also have a House/Secondary Marine Battery installed on the driver side, where the optional secondary factory battery would have been, using the mounting deck from a 2000 2500 which also allowed me to relocate the charcoal recovery canister (not it's technical name) to sit roughly 10" closer to the firewall as opposed to right behind the radiator. I mention these upgrades because they're all located in the vicinity of installing the bigger radiator..... So it's a reference thing Since I'll have her tore apart installing the radiator I've decided to make the right play here, so I'll also be replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses, thermostat, water pump (developed a small drip, when parked, a couple of days ago), fan clutch ( I understand only silly ****'s wouldn't replace at the same time as a new water pump), and radiator cap. I've added pic's of the replacement parts I plan to use. So please, specifically, if anyone has any experience using the Duralast Water Pump/Fan Clutch Kit HD (see pics) from AutoZone, I'd appreciate any light you can shed on this part and any opinions as well. Obviously any info on the other chosen parts is appreciated as well. The only other question I think I have is... Currently I believe her cooling system operates at 15 lbs. Pressure, do I need to score a 16 lbs. Cap because of the bigger radiator?? As always, you gentlemen are top notch and your knowledge is unmatched! Side Note: I've posted a few other times, mostly electronics shizz, but never added any solutions.... The most important thing I've learned since rescuing Babygirl is this.... Before you start throwing money and parts at your ride, electrical issues especially, start at the beginning of each circuit, pull the harness and all other connections, inspect, depin, clean and reassemble before anything else, after checking fuses of course and please be patient and thorough. Doing this has saved me a ton of money so far. My headlights would randomly shut off from the switch getting to hot, this includes both new replacements, followed my advice... Fixed! Passenger side taillight went dark.... followed my own advice.... Fixed! Dash Lights haven't worked since I got her, oil pressure and temp gauges were intermittent at best, pulled the cluster, cleaned it real well and made sure all the tabs were secure on connections and motors... Go figure.... Fixed! And all exterior/interior lighting is brighter than ever. So ya, do the shizz no one likes doing and don't be afraid to use that local boneyard as an additional Parts Store. At least if you like saving money! Thanks You and Have a Stellar Day! Cheers
I went to the boneyard Saturday and scored a super clean 41" radiator out of a 1 ton Sierra, obviously Babygirl came from the factory with a 36" radiator. From what I can see.... It appears it will be a fairly easy swap. Yes I have the factory tow package therefore I have both transmission and oil cooler lines. As far as this swap, has anyone done it or something similar and have any pointers, advice, or instruction? Is anyone able to confirm this swap as valid and doable? Side note, I've done the Big 3 (5) Upgrade, the 4 Hi Upgrade, and also have a House/Secondary Marine Battery installed on the driver side, where the optional secondary factory battery would have been, using the mounting deck from a 2000 2500 which also allowed me to relocate the charcoal recovery canister (not it's technical name) to sit roughly 10" closer to the firewall as opposed to right behind the radiator. I mention these upgrades because they're all located in the vicinity of installing the bigger radiator..... So it's a reference thing Since I'll have her tore apart installing the radiator I've decided to make the right play here, so I'll also be replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses, thermostat, water pump (developed a small drip, when parked, a couple of days ago), fan clutch ( I understand only silly ****'s wouldn't replace at the same time as a new water pump), and radiator cap. I've added pic's of the replacement parts I plan to use. So please, specifically, if anyone has any experience using the Duralast Water Pump/Fan Clutch Kit HD (see pics) from AutoZone, I'd appreciate any light you can shed on this part and any opinions as well. Obviously any info on the other chosen parts is appreciated as well. The only other question I think I have is... Currently I believe her cooling system operates at 15 lbs. Pressure, do I need to score a 16 lbs. Cap because of the bigger radiator?? As always, you gentlemen are top notch and your knowledge is unmatched! Side Note: I've posted a few other times, mostly electronics shizz, but never added any solutions.... The most important thing I've learned since rescuing Babygirl is this.... Before you start throwing money and parts at your ride, electrical issues especially, start at the beginning of each circuit, pull the harness and all other connections, inspect, depin, clean and reassemble before anything else, after checking fuses of course and please be patient and thorough. Doing this has saved me a ton of money so far. My headlights would randomly shut off from the switch getting to hot, this includes both new replacements, followed my advice... Fixed! Passenger side taillight went dark.... followed my own advice.... Fixed! Dash Lights haven't worked since I got her, oil pressure and temp gauges were intermittent at best, pulled the cluster, cleaned it real well and made sure all the tabs were secure on connections and motors... Go figure.... Fixed! And all exterior/interior lighting is brighter than ever. So ya, do the shizz no one likes doing and don't be afraid to use that local boneyard as an additional Parts Store. At least if you like saving money! Thanks You and Have a Stellar Day! Cheers