surely there’s a guide to replacing the radiator on a 3.8. I’ve looked and can’t seem to find it.

Ordered a new one thinking it would be a DIY. I’m hours into just trying to get the radiator out!
Specifically, there’s one screw holding in the fans on the driver’s side that I can’t get to. (Even took off the manifold!)

what gives?

 

There are instructions in the service manual. Not sure how good they are though, I've never referenced them.

Do you have a picture of the area you're having a hard time with? Even if we can't see the screw in quesution, perhaps knowing which one it is would ring a bell to someone on here?

 

Got to here.

Metal plate on fan rubbing against engine preventing from coming out.

Then realized fan wire harness was still attached. Can’t see it to get it undone.

It’s out! But not without damage to the AC condenser.

 

Any input on what else I might want to replace while this beast is out, please advise.

At this point in time, $700 would have been well spent to have someone else do this. And haven’t even started on putting it back in.

 

I hate to say it, but Id be very tempted to replace that ac condensor too. The fins can be straightened, but Id be worried about a pinhole leak forcing you to pull it all apart again. Without a radiator, it would be tough to run the engine long enough to see if its holding pressure.

 

I've changed a couple of these radiators. And it might be due to my experience, I found the task straight forward. Drain the system, remove the dog bones, then the upper, disconnect the hoses, disconnect sensor and fan wiring, unbolt the fan assembly from the radiator, slide fans out. I am trying to remember if the AC condenser attaches to the radiator or not (I want to say it does and if so, it lifts off the radiator). Then reverse everything.

I do agree with Bumpin, the condenser looks rough with all the fins fallen. It takes a pin hole to make your AC fail and you are a bulk of the way there, not much more to change it.

 

There was a plastic push pin/screw on the bottom of the fan assembly that was causing the grief - not allowing the fan assembly to come out without the radiator attached.

I’d be replacing the condenser if I didn’t know either the power steering or water pump also needs replacing.