The upper radiator hose popped off and started dumping coolant (fortunately on the driveway and not the highway). Once it cooled down a bit, I was surprised to see that the connection point for the upper hose had split into pieces. Time and temperature obviously took a toll on the plastic portion of the radiator.

This brings up two items -- one, if your beast has the original radiator I would recommend proactively replacing it before it gives up the ghost at the wrong place or time.

Second, since I'm going to have to tear into the beast to replace the radiator, what other things should I source and replace while I'm in there?

Thanks for you help!

 

Check the plastic thermostat housing and also the plastic header tank. On the tank, the connection for the small pipe at the back is well-known to crack and cause a leak.

 

I would say sway bar rubber mounts and inspect every coolant hose.....ac line....and trans cooler lines....and oil cooler lines if you have them.....also have a good look at the harmonic balancer for any bad rubber

 

In replacing the radiator, you may want to insure the foam that lines the sides of it is in tact.

These foam bars block hot air in the engine compartment from escaping forward and flowing in front of the radiator, and back thru it.

Better to draw cooler outdoor air across the radiator and AC condenser than heated engine air.

 

It would be e good idea to replace the plastic t'stat housing also the water pump

My water pump became noisy at about 105k miles.

Replace it with the AC Delco one not the one with the rubbish thin metal gasket.

 

Rockauto have all you'll need to fix the radiator and most other item if your in the USA prices are reasonable and they ship quick as well