06 LT Radiator Issues:(

[wrestlinghasbeen]

Hey! I hit a rubber cap off of a semi tire and it totalled my radiator but I didn't damage my A/C condenser. I have a new radiator but I am not sure if I should try to remove it from the bottom out or take it out through the top. By looking at the top I would have to remove the front bumper and stuff. Im just not sure on how to go about this? Any feedback would be great!

[AJT1961]

This is the Haynes manual procedure:

Removal:

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal.
2. Raise the vehicle and support it securely with jackstands. On 2.2L models, remove the air cleaner outlet resonator.
3. Drain the cooling system.
4. Remove the cooling fan(s) and shroud assembly.
5. On automatic transaxle models, remove the left fenderwell liner for access and disconnect the transaxle cooler lines from the radiator.
6. Disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses from the radiator. On 2.0L models, disconnect the coolant hoses at the bottom of the intercooler.
7. The radiator is secured to the vehicle by pins at the top and brackets at the bottom. Remove the three bolts in each lower radiator mounting bracket.
8. Remove the condenser mounting bolts and pull the condenser down slightly to disengage the condenser from the radiator bracket. On 2.0L models, remove the bolts securing the intercooler to the radiator (near the bottom of the intercooler) and pull the intercooler downward to the disengage the clips at the radiator.
9. Carefully lower radiator until its pins are free at the top, then remove the radiator. Don’t spill coolant on the vehicle or scratch the paint.
10. Make sure the rubber radiator insulators that fit on the bottom of the radiator and into the sockets in the body remain in place in the body for proper reinstallation of the radiator.

Installation:

1. Inspect the rubber insulators for cracks and deterioration. Make sure they are free of dirt and gravel.
2. Installation is reverse of removal procedure. After installation, fill the coolant system with the correct mixture of antifreeze and water.
3. Reconnect the battery.
4. Start the engine and check for leaks. Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature, indicated by the upper radiator hose becoming hot. Recheck the coolant level and add more if required.
5. If you are working on an automatic transaxle vehicle, check and add fluid as needed

[rodeo02]

Awesome info AJT! It looks like you lift the radiator out once you lower it slightly to release the locating pins up top? Those GM push-lock fittings for the ATF cooler lines are a joy as well. I've got a set of the 'removal' tools from NAPA, but I was never able to get them to work. I've found once you slide back the black plastic protector collar, just carefully pry the circlip out the side of the nut with a pic, push the line in, then it will pull right out.

Joel

[wrestlinghasbeen]

Wow thanks guys youve defintley helped me! Ill try it out and post the results. I was kinda clueless at first. thanks again.