99 5s-fe radiator replacement advice

[zorobabel]

Hi guys. The radiator in this Camry has developed a crack in the upper tank, so it must go. I bought a new one (I hope it fits) and I plan on installing it this weekend. I've never done this before, so I'd appreciate any help. I have the manual, I'm reading it right now...

First things first:
1. What coolant do you guys use? I'm pretty sure I'll only find the Toyota long life one at the stealership, I'm trying to avoid that... I'm hoping you guys have some suggestions.

2. I'm going to be doing this at a friends, Should I keep the car on a slight incline? Which way and when? Ideas on draining? Do I really have to open the engine block drain plug (not that I know where that is...)?

3. I also bought a thermostat, didn't even know what it was, but I read it's not a bad idea to change it. One issue I had with this car was that in winter turning up the heat didn't have the expected effect; it was warmer but no where near what other cars could do. This bothered me most on a road trip in winter to Utah, so I didn't pay much attention to it, as it didn't bother me much afterwards, living in California. Also, when engine braking (it's a manual tranny) on long downhills the temperature gauge drops to minimum. It kind of makes sense, but again I haven't experienced this with other cars. Could these 2 symptoms be caused by a bad thermostat?

4. I was thinking about getting rid of the old coolant in the system this way: after installing the new radiator, fill the system with water and take the car for a spin around the block then drain it again. What else should I be doing?

5. The thermostat I bought doesn't appear to have a jiggle valve (as per the manual); what's a jiggle valve?

6. I read some posts that recommended flushing the engine with a can of cleaner... What cleaner and how do I do it? Won't the cleaner damage the headgasket?

Your tips are welcome, thank you!

Last edit. I ended up buying the Toyota long life coolant. Fortunately I gave the stealership a call for a quote prior to going there; they quoted 22.47 for the gallon but at the counter they tried to sell it for 33 ... crooks.
The thermostat I bought didn't look exactly the same as the old one, so I kept the old one installed. No leaks so far, it seems I did a good job