So, I'm gonna pull my radiator on my 88 4Runner 3.0 (probably this evening or tomorrow) to have it rebuilt and I was wondering if there was anything that I should know before I start. Is there any hidden bolts? Should it be pulled from the top or dropped from the bottom? Should I put something in the hoses to keep stuff out?

I've never had to do this before so just a few words of advice would be great!

 

Just like any radiator.

upper/lower hose
fan shroud
fan
radiator

 

Good luck the last few radiators I took from that vintage Toyota were so far gone that it was cheaper to buy new.

 

It's just a small leak, I know exactly where it's coming from... I got a quote of $145 for a full rebuild.

 

Can only speak for the 4 cylinder.. but upper/lower hoses, 4 bolts for the shroud, 4 bolts for the radiator- remove from top. Couldn't imagine the 6 being much different.

 

I dunno man... For an extra 5 bucks you could have a brand new rad....

 

I thought about that, but the quote I got for a new radiator was in the $180 range and when you're on a strictly summer job budget you gotta save every last dime. Trust me, if I didn't absolutely NEED to do this I wouldn't...

 

Oh yeah. Been there before. I had no job 7 years ago when I had to replace my rad. and other exterior parts. Completely drained my bank account of 10 years worth of $25 deposits.

 

The V6 fan shroud has a lower clip-on section(2 metal clips holding it on). Which must first be removed from it. Then, after detaching the upper/lower hoses and removing the 4 bolts for the radiator, the radiator with the fan shroud still attached can be lifted straight up and out.

Hint: You cannot remove the fan shroud first on a V6(with the radiator still installed). It might look like you can. But...trust me...you can't.

EDIT: AFAIK knows that applies to 88-89 V6 4Runners and 88 V6 PUs only.

 

If you can afford it, swap in an electric fan for the mechanical one. Brought both my power and mileage up a little bit.

 

Is that just with V6 runners? I have pulled the shroud numerous times on my pickups without pulling the rad.

 

Huh. Learn something new every day. I'll keep that in mind should I ever find myself pulling the rad from a v6

 

Very easy job good luck

 

Actually, I believe it's just with 1st gen V6 4Runners/2nd gen V6 Pickups. I know for sure it applies to my 88 V6 PU(and 88-89 V6 4Runners I presume). I broke mine trying to get it off with the radiator installed. And I've heard of atleast a couple other folks making the same mistake. Hell, I was going by the FSM. Which says to do it that way. But it's also a 93 FSM. So, it doesn't necessarily apply to an 88(though a lot of it does, a lot of it doesn't).

 

That's strange. On both my pickups I can take the clips off the bottom part and take it off. Then just unbolt the shroud and slide it up between the rad and fan. On my '93 I flipped the fan pulley in 5 minutes, it was on backwards and I couldn't keep power steering belts on.

 

So, I got it pulled and pretty much went as planned... I had forgotten about the tranny cooler lines (Yes, I know the auto's suck....), but other than that smooth sailing. I'm dropping it off tomorrow at the shop and I'll swing by the parts store and pick up a new bottom hose (recently replaced the top hose), coolant, etc. The turnaround is supposed to be 1-2 full days so I'm hoping to have it back and install it Wednesday evening! Thanks for the help guys!

 

I was going to mention the transmission cooler lines. Good time to check those hose clamps and hoses. While you have such great access, consider the thermostat and the by-pass hose also. I bought everything from Toyota (1990 1 Ton), all parts were available. Biggest hassle was dealing with the transmission fluid that spills out when hoses are disconnected.

 

I don't know if you're dead set on only a oem radiator but if you google 88 4runner radiator there are several that show up for < $100. Then you have to figure in time for shipping but local parts stores might have them also. They usually have lifetime warranties, not that that helps in the middle of nowhere though. Good luck with wherever you go.

 

The Chiltons guide I have says the hood brace, hood lock, grille, engine under cover need to be removed, then to disconnect A/C discharge hose and liquid tube, then remove power steering, AC, and alternator belts.

No where in here is this mentioned. Mine is a '92 3.0L VZE AT. From what you guys are saying, it is only clips for the fan, bolts for the radiator, and hoses.
Does the skid plate need to be removed to gain access to the three hoses at the bottom of the radiator?

How much leaks from A/T oil cooler hoses?

 

Personally, I think the Chilton's guide "isn't too bad." But when you have the real manual, why would you care? http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...52radiator.pdf Any guide that suggests disconnecting A/C lines should be looked at askance.

The manual says "some" oil will leak out (they're referring to trucks with the oil cooler, but it's the same for the A/T cooler). "Some" is correct; just have your plastic tub underneath when you pull the lines, and be prepared to secure the hoses pointing "up" so no more drains on your head.