Posted by Clint Dixon [108.162.216.99] on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 19:35:36 :
In Reply to: Radiator Shell posted by David Thomas [162.158.62.106] on Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 18:17:13 :
Please! Do not even try to get at those 4 bolts. This is a common mistake that is made by a previous owner and one that leaves a telltale scar, and a deal falling through, for a potential buyer down the road.
There is only one correct way to disassemble the shell, grill, and radiator.
First, remove the hood - this can be accomplished by removing the two slotted oval head screws attaching the front chromed hood hinge bracket to the shell.
Second, remove both front fenders. This is easily done by removing about 12 hex head cap screws attaching each fender and inner splash shield to the truck. An alternative method to this is to just remove the two hex head cap screws per side attaching each front fender support bracket to the radiator side supports, and allow the fenders to remain on the truck - but they will probably be in the way later so may as well remove them now, clean up the screw threads, chase the well nut threads, and coat all threads with never-seize before reassembly.
Third, remove that stay rods from the radiator support to the firewall. These too can just be unbolted from the radiator support and left in place, but will also probably by in the way later.
Forth, remove the two nuts attaching the whole radiator and shell assembly to the front frame bracket.
Fifth, tilt the whole assembly forward, remove the radiator hoses and the fan from the waterpump.
Sixth, lift the whole assembly up and out. Lay grill down on a rug on the floor and remove the 6 hex head cap screws attaching the radiator and shroud to the support/grill/shell assembly.
This whole series of steps is not as hard as it sounds. It leaves a lot of room to work around the engine. And, it does not result in the stark cannibalism that is commonly seen on destroyed radiator shells - a red flag alerting all to a previous mistake that someone once made that cannot be disguised.
This is the way these parts were designed to be disassembled. Those four bolts that you mentioned were never meant to be accessed until the whole front radiator and support assembly is out of the truck.
Junior
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