Help with Radiator & Thermostat Replacement

TIA, I'm a newbie to diy maintenence on my '02 3.4L V6 Tacoma and currently have a cracked radiator (the OG from 19.5 years ago!)

From research I've done replacement is the best option and looks manageable. I'm also seeing suggestions to replace the thermostat.

¿Will anyone share a favorite video with detailed steps for both radiator and thermostat replacement?

Have found many videos for radiator and each have helpful small details but none are exactly the same. I haven't found a great video for the thermostat yet.

¿The current coolant seems to be incorrect (green). Will this be an issue when filling the new radiator with the long life toyota coolant?

¿Should the thermostat be replaced before the new radiator is installed?

¿Also, will anyone confirm/ add to the steps listed below?:
-remove skid plate
-drain coolant
-remove grill
-remove upper hose & overflow hose
-remove fan shroud (bottom then 4 bolts)
-diconnect lower hose (w/ catch pan)
-disconnect 2 autotrans cooler lines (w/ clamps on lines & plugs on radiator)
-disconnect & remove radiator (4 bolts)
-install new radiator

When filling new radiator use spill free funnel and burp the system

Parts: radiator, 2 hoses, 4 clamps, thermostat & o ring, 2 gallons of coolant and a bottle of ATF

 

Holy shit

Didn't have to remove the grill or fan shroud or anything to replace the radiator.

Could provide more room but not necessary; did it on my '01

 

It wouldn’t hurt the do the fan clutch while he was in there. But yeah the shroud can just be shoved back over the fan to get the rad out.

 

Ok, thanks. I haven't done it yet, but also have new headlights to install, so I'll likely do that at the same time I remove the grill.

 

There's no indication it's not working, but it has been recommended since it's relatively inexpensive

 

Hey there Red Storm,
Have you looked at this video? I used it to help me change my timing belt (including pulling the radiator and changing the thermostat)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHC46ypHxWc

Although for a 3rd Gen 4Runner (same engine) this might be helpful as the first steps involve removing the grille and then the radiator. Later in the video they also replace the thermostat.

A thread on thermostat replacement (and the positioning of the "jiggle valve").
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/thermostat-replacement-question.276678/

I would flush the green coolant out with distilled water before switching back to the Toyota coolant.

I have had good results using a regular funnel to fill the coolant s l o w l y (with occasional massaging of the radiator hoses)-- this reduces the need for any major "burping" the system. Fill it, fire up the engine let it come up to temp so that it opens the thermostat and runs for a short time, let cool and add coolant to the indicated level.

If you decide to replace the thermostat, I would install the new thermostat before putting the new radiator in as you will possibly have a little more room to work.

When I did the work, I should have ordered new grille clips beforehand, as they all pretty much turned into plastic dust when I pulled the grille.

HTH,
Eric

 

Yep, no reason not to.

Did my fan clutch a few weeks ago and it only took a few minutes.

What I need to do already is install my transmission cooler

 

@Space Man Spiff Much appreciated! So many small details to be aware of.

I assume flushing the old coolant should be done once the new radiator is installed, right? Seeing as the old one is cracked

-infamous t-stat positioning dually noted
-new grill clips, check

 

Do it, I just installed mine with a new radiator. My Transmission temps are running about 155-60 on the highway, very rarely get above 165-70 driving around town. Both the transmission and coolant temps do run a little higher if I'm sitting in stalled traffic or a long line at the drive through. but they both go down when I get moving again.

 

Oh I plan on it, just had to take care of my starter today.

Seeing as how I left my thermostat in storage 2.5hrs away, I'll have to order a new thermostat to get going.

 

Successfully completed the job- my 1st involved diy repair. Very thankful for all the online resources available for newbies like me.

I'll share one small tips for future readers that I hadn't seen elsewhere: slightly loosen the pre-attached brackets on the new radiator in order to easily align the holes to bolt the radiator onto the truck. Then re-tighten the brackets.