Newbie here...

[Jo-Riley]

Just having the needed parts on hand will put you in a better position.

If you decide to try it yourself, we'll do our best to walk you through it.

It's not really a hard job changing a radiator, both hoses and thermostat, but you will need a few basic tools.

I have some of the tools mentioned on the earlier "recipe."
Good. Today I will do some other chores I planned to to Friday

 

[RobbieD]

Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[Jo-Riley]

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Absolutely! This forum has been such a stabilizer. I don't want to think where I'd be at (mentally and physically) without everyone's messages. I'm not even gonna go there.
You've all been my rock. Thank you

 

[Jo-Riley]

Look at what I found !!

https://youtube.com/@ijfim?si=QMPFH1BEA0FrInDV

He makes it look so easy. Now I need to find buckets to drain antifreeze out.
Question: can I reuse the antifreeze I just put in? Or should I just get another bottle? He didn't say how much the truck holds ..

 

[Jo-Riley]

Also...can I take it apart now even though it's freezing cold outside. So I'm ready when radiator comes

 

[Jo-Riley]

Should I replace thermostat first?

 

[Jo-Riley]

Do I need a new radiator cap? And can I throw radiator in the dumpster?

 

[RobbieD]

Clean antifreeze can be reused. Use a clean bucket or pan to catch it, and move it under the lower radiator hose when you remove that (more antifreeze will come out). I know you said that yours hasn't been changed in several years, but you've been adding fresh, so the old can be reused if needed.
>>> You'll most likely lose some antifreeze, so you'll need to have some on hand. That being said, there's two options:
1 Get your repair made, make sure everything is OK, and then plan on changing the antifreeze later.
2 Go ahead and put new antifreeze back in.
I'd opt the second, if the budget allows. You'll need to check your local rules for disposing the old; it's considered hazardous waste. A lot parts stores will take old antifreeze for recycling.

A drained cooling system won't be hurt by cold temperatures.

I'd get the old radiator out of the way first, then do the thermostat. There'll be a little more room to work.

A new radiator cap would be a good idea. If the old cap looks good it would be OK to use, however. If you put a new cap on, you may want to keep the old as as an emergecy spare.

The old radiator, completely drained, can be thrown in the dumpster.

Other random thoughts:

If the old hoses are stuck, get a spray can with a tube of WD-40 lubricant. It can help break the bond of the old hose rubber to the metal parts, and it can help some with stuck bolts. It's handy for other stuff, too.

Be careful handling and installing the new radiator. The fins of the cooling tubes are easily bent, which will reduce the radiator's effectiveness. I like wrapping and taping a peice of cardboard around the finned area, front and back over the top, then slipping it off right before I bolt the radiator in.

You'll also lose a little automatic transmission fluid (ATF), so you may need a bottle of it, to top the fluid level after you're done. Be sure to check the ATF level afterward (it's covered in your truck's owners manual). Have a pair of baggies and rubber bands on hand when you remove the ATF lines from the radiator; put the baggies over the open ends of the lines and wrap the rubber band to hold it place. This will help reduce the fluid loss while they're open, and help keeping them clean before reinstallation.

You'll have questions as you go, and that's to be expected. Be careful, take your time.

Good luck!

 

[RobbieD]

My literature is limited to 1983-1994, but I do have a Haynes Repair Manual for 1993 thru 2000 Ranger models.

Here are the radiator removal and reinstallation instructions, in case they are helpful for you.

These "aftermarket" repair books generalize some, since they cover multiple years, so some text and illustrations may not exactly match what you're working on. But the step-by-step may help you stay better organized.

You can get a repair book like this from a parts store, or Amazon I'd imagine. May be worthwhile for to you to have one.

 

[Jo-Riley]

My socket is too big to fit on 4 fan bolts. I tried a regular wrench. I can't get the bolt loose.
The YouTube video said to remove serpentine belt first with the 3/4extender into the square...it's too long.
I've tried for almost 2 hours now. Nothing accomplished except me crying. I don't think I can do this.

 

[Jo-Riley]

Ok. I took off the extra extension and it fits in the square to move left and release the serpentine belt. I can't move it. Can I use a hammer or small sledge hammer to hit it over to left? My hands are about frozen and I'm not strong enough to do this. I want to just junk the truck now. I thought I could do this. I really believed I could. I just don't know what to do

 

[RobbieD]

Are you changing the water pump, too, or just changing the radiator?

I'm not familiar with the 2002 2.5L, but on my older 2.3L the serpentine belt does not have to be removed to change the radiator, and I don't remember having to remove the belt to change the thermostat, either.

Don't be discouraged; exactly where are you at as far as removing things?

 

[Ranger850]

Ok. I took off the extra extension and it fits in the square to move left and release the serpentine belt. I can't move it. Can I use a hammer or small sledge hammer to hit it over to left? My hands are about frozen and I'm not strong enough to do this. I want to just junk the truck now. I thought I could do this. I really believed I could. I just don't know what to do

You mentioned a "neighbor" in an earlier post. could you posibly ask them for help, now that you have all the parts you need?

 

[Jo-Riley]

Hi. Again
My neighbor helped me. Radiator is in the dumpster

 

[Jo-Riley]

Are you changing the water pump, too, or just changing the radiator?

I'm not familiar with the 2002 2.5L, but on my older 2.3L the serpentine belt does not have to be removed to change the radiator, and I don't remember having to remove the belt to change the thermostat, either.

Don't be discouraged; exactly where are you at as far as removing things?

Not water pump...please don't say that
Radiator and thermostat. Not sure we had to take off serpentine belt either. But we did cuz of the YouTube guy on "I just fix it myself."
Tranny lines are bagged, hoses are still on I am tired. I'll deal with those next time.
What a mess I made. I dumped kitty litter on ground soaking up mess.
Threw all my clothes and shoes in laundry. Don't want my little Riley kitty getting sick. Now shower and nap.
Thank you
I