I've done a quick search here..and a few other sites...
I'm switching in a new radiator tonight in my 87RRC.
Any last minute advice?
The manual says remove the fan....but I've seen a couple posts in my search that indicate that it is not necessary....any thoughts.
Should be uneventfull....but I thought I'd check here to make sure.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-Seth

Removing the fan gives you a lot more room to work. Other than that, be prepared for some oil to leak from the cooler fittings, but I found it wasn't that bad.

Expect the lower hose to be welded to the barb nd pump, and (admitting some ignorance here as this is an older vehicle than those I usually work on, other than series trucks) the smaller hoses on the top, it is very easy to mangle the barbs on disassembly and reassembly.

should take you nowhere near as long as the manuals say.

Good luck.

Peace,
Paul

I bought a big a$$ bucket from wal-mart to place under the truck to catch all fluids. The kind of tub that will work just great for a full size keg of beer.
I guess I'm dreading reaching certain spots....I'm not the biggest guy around.....and my truck has enough lift(along with big bull bar) to make this a slight pain in the butt.

-Seth

seth,

take the fan off. YOu'll have to take off the shroud anyway and to take the fan off it's just a couple 'o whacks (right MERV??? :D )

Also, if you're not the tallest thing around here's a dealer tip:

Let all of the air out of the front tires. You'll lower the truck at least 10 inches and you'll definitely be able to reach around in there.

Don't forget to re-inflate tires upon completin of job.

If the fan comes off easy....it'll be done. Some of my searches indicated that might not be the easiest thing in the world.

As far as letting air out.... might help some....but to give you an indication of my issue...to get to my distributor cap(comfortably) I've had to stand on my front bumper...no I'm not kidding.

-Seth

LOL, sounds like you need stilts! I have an old bumper crate that is just the right height. For the other side, I use an old waterbed headboard an old tenant left in the rental house. Perfect height and more stable than a milk crate.

With the fan, sooner or later, you'll need to take it off. Why not do it when you have some degree of leisure? Throw some anti-seize on it and you can get it off (easy Merv) easier in the future.

Peace,
Paul

Sorry folks,

It's just came to my attention....that some of you might think I'm some sort of midget......:cool:
I'm not a giant, but I'm not Mini Me either!! For the record I'm 5'8".

My truck is just tall, and the brush guard doesn't make for easy access to the front of the vehicle ......that's all.
Reaching low into the engine bay can be a challenge some times, that's about it.
:laughing:

Seth

Hey, you're about the same height as I am and I feel your pain!

Hope you didn't take offense, it wasn't intended (kinder and gentler PBB-I can now go to Discoweb for the flamefest...).

Peace,
Paul

No offense taken.....I think its hilarious.

Didn't want you guys to think you were missing some sort of freak show.....

Originally posted by sachilles
For the record I'm 5'8".


Seth

I've got nearly a foot on you!! To me you are a midget!!!

YAO!

How the hell do fit in your truck??? You must have to recline the seat at a rediculous angle.