2011 Denali Radiator Replacement

[XLDenali11]

Recently noticed a coolant leak coming from the radiator and wondering what is the recommendation for a replacement. I have both oil and trans cooler. I have about 173,000 on the truck and wanted to get some maintenance done while I have the coolant drained. Looking at doing Radiator, hoses and water pump. Is there anything else you guys would recommend doing while I am at it? Any tips to making the job easier would also be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[petethepug]

Order the Gates belt kit off Amazon with the green belt. OEM radiators are guaranteed for life and seem to last for about 5 years in my old Yuke & current Esky.

The issue with radiators seems to be the material (plastic) head tanks.

 

[jdwood1111]

If your doing that, I would also replace the hoses including the dorman metal Y hose (better replacement than the plastic one) and plastic heater tees that are known to break. I just replaced all my hoses and tees and thermostat a couple of months ago. My radiator was fine. I can't now but I have a thread where I posted the part numbers and such you can reference for all that if need.

Tip is to get a hose spring clamp tool. My job went great until it was time to reinstall the lower radiator hose and I could NOT get any typical tools in there to keep it compressed and slide it on. Borrowed a old school hose clamp from a neighbor and finally got it on!

 

[Noggles]

I would also do a new thermostat (oem) and the cover for it (blanking on the name right now). I would also do new coolant as well and you can usually get a smoking deal for the prediluted stuff on Rock Auto for less than half the cost that the local stores sell it for even counting shipping.