Any tips on removing the radiator core, grill, header panel etc.?

[Stewart G Griffin]

Could you give me a few tips on removing the entire front portion of the front clip?  Not the entire front clip but just the very front including radiator core support?

i have to replace the radiator AND torque converter;  v-6's just don't make the same low-end torque as v-8's do as i've so learned, and a v-8 converter isn't going to work so well with a v-6.  So if i have to do all that, then i might as well take everything out---thru the front.

Actually, why don't you just give me a step-by-step, high detailed procedure on removing the front part?

[JohnnyPopper]

Well, the front core support is the main assembly of what lives behind the headlights & grill.

It's primarily attached to the front of each side fender and inner fender, which you could leave in place.

The main point of contact with the frame is at two points on the chassis, large vertical bolts.

All of the stuff that is mounted to the center  core can remain, just need some help lifting it off.

Hood removal is optional, I would take it off after tracing the mount/hood mating points with a pencil / sharpy for later.

So in order of events:

Drain radiator, disconnect trans cooling lines.

Front bumper.

Grill and side bright work.

Top sheet metal cover to radiator.

Hood release cable if applicable.

Split radiator cowling, lift top, remove bottom after fan is out of the way.

Radiator

Remove battery and wiring harness from left to right, bundle.

Loosen side fenders at doors, inner fenders in wheel well. Just enough to move them slightly when you have the front free.

Remove all 1/2 hex self guiding bolts that pin the side and inner fenders to the core. Some are hard to see until you move some corner supports.

Remove the two vertical pins and lift off.

By all means, TAKE PICTURES AT EVERY STEP. 
 

[VileZambonie]

What are you doing, replacing the torque converter or the engine?

[Stewart G Griffin]

Converter, but since i need to replace the radiator too, i figure i would take eng/trans out together thru the front.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Well, the front core support is the main assembly of what lives behind the headlights & grill.

It's primarily attached to the front of each side fender and inner fender, which you could leave in place.

The main point of contact with the frame is at two points on the chassis, large vertical bolts.

All of the stuff that is mounted to the center  core can remain, just need some help lifting it off.

Hood removal is optional, I would take it off after tracing the mount/hood mating points with a pencil / sharpy for later.

So in order of events:

Drain radiator, disconnect trans cooling lines.

Front bumper.

Grill and side bright work.

Top sheet metal cover to radiator.

Hood release cable if applicable.

Split radiator cowling, lift top, remove bottom after fan is out of the way.

Radiator

Remove battery and wiring harness from left to right, bundle.

Loosen side fenders at doors, inner fenders in wheel well. Just enough to move them slightly when you have the front free.

Remove all 1/2 hex self guiding bolts that pin the side and inner fenders to the core. Some are hard to see until you move some corner supports.

Remove the two vertical pins and lift off.

By all means, TAKE PICTURES AT EVERY STEP. 

Thanks.

[JohnnyPopper]

Honestly, if the torque converter and radiator is all you are going after, this is the LONG way home.

R&R the trans and you are done with the T/C.

The radiator is easy to R&R, follow steps 1,4, and 7.