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Radiator replace

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by 2003stepside, Oct 15, 2020.

  1. Oct 15, 2020 at 3:19 PM
    #1
    2003stepside

    2003stepside [OP] New Member

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    Hi, I need to replace the radiator on my 2003 Tundra access cab, 4.7 , 2 wheel drive. Does anyone have instructions as I am going to try and do myself. Radiator has a small crack at top. Also , any suggestions on a replacement? Toyota dealer has an OEM for $475 and a non OEM ( I think a MVP ) for $220 that I think will probably go with. Thanks in advance
     
  2. Oct 15, 2020 at 3:25 PM
    #2
    artsr2002

    artsr2002 2005 Tundra DC SR5

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  3. Oct 15, 2020 at 3:30 PM
    #3
    artsr2002

    artsr2002 2005 Tundra DC SR5

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    1A Auto has a whole bunch of First Gen videos for various parts replacement. Very Handy. Find them on YouTube and bookmark it or add the playlist to your favorites.
     
  4. Oct 15, 2020 at 3:36 PM
    #4
    N84434

    N84434 In the Frozen Tundra

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  5. Oct 15, 2020 at 3:37 PM
    #5
    RR60

    RR60 New Member

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  6. Oct 15, 2020 at 5:22 PM
    #6
    N84434

    N84434 In the Frozen Tundra

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  7. Oct 15, 2020 at 10:22 PM
    #7
    10 blue trucks

    10 blue trucks New Member

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    I don't trust anonymous sellers with 30 day warranties on a radiator at Amazon. My truck is too important. A denso radiator is about $145 from an authorized reseller selling warrantied parts. Try Summit racing they can't shirk their rep on warranties.
     
  8. Oct 16, 2020 at 5:44 AM
    #8
    chester

    chester best member

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    I bought a CSF 3238 from Rock Auto for $92. Worked great.

    If I recall correctly, there were multiple different radiators when I got mine. I'm not sure if it was AC vs DC. Maybe it was with and without towing package? Not sure, but make sure you get the right one.
     
  9. Oct 16, 2020 at 10:27 AM
    #9
    2003stepside

    2003stepside [OP] New Member

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    Thanks all for the input. For some reason, Amazon web site stated the denso radiator did not fit my truck. Could not get a radiator fast enough from online so I’m going with the one from dealer for $220, should be here tomorrow. Hopefully no problems with fit.
     
  10. Oct 16, 2020 at 2:34 PM
    #10
    SouthPaw

    SouthPaw The headlight guy

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    My radiator devolved a crack due to the wrong size bolt securing one of the top mounts. It wore it self through and began leaking. I watched the 1A vid about 3-4 times and I had my old one out, new one, filled and burping in 45min. Their vids are truly helpful.

    I had a long drive coming up that weekend and the Amazon denso wasn’t going to arrive in time so I opted for a lifetime warranty one from Napa. My friend is the owner so he sold it to me at cost and it’s worked great.
     
  11. Oct 16, 2020 at 2:39 PM
    #11
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

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    custom body work, Billies with taco ARB springs, Icon AAL, TRD FJ trail team wheels, 2019 Toyota 86 radio, Blacked out interior, Added factory power everything, heater mirrors, ETC
    There’s always the full custom route..
    [​IMG] Not price effective. But man. This sucker breaking I’ll be surprised


    As for the CSF, it fits double cabs, not access or regular cabs, the hood will not close on them if you buy then csf I found that out after ordering the CSF and trying to install it
     
  12. Oct 17, 2020 at 8:59 AM
    #12
    RR60

    RR60 New Member

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    Yes that notice on Amazon is wrong. Cant always trust that.
    I just went to the denso website to confirm when I got mine.
     
  13. Oct 17, 2020 at 11:53 AM
    #13
    2003stepside

    2003stepside [OP] New Member

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    2003 Tundra Stepside
    C29818D4-128B-4A46-B065-7773FDC15F85.jpg 522F208C-DB45-439D-B6D1-E9DC8B81D0E2.jpg C29818D4-128B-4A46-B065-7773FDC15F85.jpg C29818D4-128B-4A46-B065-7773FDC15F85.jpg C29818D4-128B-4A46-B065-7773FDC15F85.jpg Hi all, got the radiator from dealership. It is a DENSO. Took me about an hour to replace. No leaks so far. Maybe the difference in price was the packaging of the radiator. Nice heavy duty box. Needed it today as this is my daily driver. Thanks again for all the input.
     

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