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Radiator removal

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Old 02-25-2018, 07:00 PM
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Default Radiator removal

Any tricks I need to know before removing the radiator from a 2003 Grand Cherokee with a 4.0L?
Old 02-25-2018, 10:58 PM
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You should post in the Grand Cherokee forum as well.
Old 02-26-2018, 07:02 AM
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Old 02-26-2018, 09:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Tonyf
Any tricks I need to know before removing the radiator from a 2003 Grand Cherokee with a 4.0L?
I replaced mine this past summer and it was a real project. I'd suggest lookin at a few YouTube videos first. I had to remove my grill and headlights, and all kinds of stuff to get the radiator out. At one point, I got frustrated with tryin to get access so I pulled off the front bumper too. Was overkill but made access much easier. From beginning to end, took me about 5 hours.
Old 02-27-2018, 03:58 AM
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That's sheer insanity! It can't be much more complicated than my 2000 4.0. Remove the fan and shroud after pulling the hoses. Remove the top radiator support panel, disconnect the trans lines, and lift it out. Oh...I forgot the hose to the reservoir. All bets are off if you have the hydraulic fan, but you shouldn't being it's a 4.0. The A/C condenser isn't attached to the radiator and doesn't have to come out. The radiator sits on 2 rubber shoes on the bottom and the same at the top under the support panel.

Hint; it's much easier to drain the radiator by disconnecting the lower hose instead of using the drain plug. They tend to not drain very well and not seal when you're finished. Just use a big pan and ease the hose off slowly.

When you refill it, take the temp sensor out, fill it until it runs out the hole, reinstall and finish filling. That gets 90% of the air out before you start it.

Last edited by dave1123; 02-27-2018 at 04:05 AM.
Old 02-27-2018, 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by PatHenry
You should post in the Grand Cherokee forum as well.
I have a stock Grand Cherokee. 2003, so a WJ, THIS IS the Grand Cherokee forum.

Last edited by Tonyf; 02-27-2018 at 06:18 PM.
Old 02-27-2018, 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by dave1123
That's sheer insanity! It can't be much more complicated than my 2000 4.0. Remove the fan and shroud after pulling the hoses. Remove the top radiator support panel, disconnect the trans lines, and lift it out. Oh...I forgot the hose to the reservoir. All bets are off if you have the hydraulic fan, but you shouldn't being it's a 4.0. The A/C condenser isn't attached to the radiator and doesn't have to come out. The radiator sits on 2 rubber shoes on the bottom and the same at the top under the support panel.

Hint; it's much easier to drain the radiator by disconnecting the lower hose instead of using the drain plug. They tend to not drain very well and not seal when you're finished. Just use a big pan and ease the hose off slowly.

When you refill it, take the temp sensor out, fill it until it runs out the hole, reinstall and finish filling. That gets 90% of the air out before you start it.
2003 w/4.ol. Has both an electric fan AND clutch fan, A/C condenser IS attached to the radiator. I detached it, did not have to remove it, DID have to pull both fans and the shroud....

Last edited by Tonyf; 02-27-2018 at 06:18 PM.
Old 02-27-2018, 10:10 PM
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See what a couple of years makes in different equipment. My 2000 WJ only has an electric fan, but it's not a "tow package" jeep either. The only time my jeep got hot was when the fan relay died. Also, I stood and watched my buddy swap the radiator so I didn't have "hands-on" at the time. I had to replace it because of the infamous tank seam leak.

I did notice there was plenty of room to install a clutch fan if I wanted to, but I never had the need for more cooling.
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