Cooling system maintenance

[Edgeman]

Truck is 7 years old (wow, that went quick...lol), so I probably need to replace my coolant this summer. Any tricks to make sure I get all of the air out of the system? (i.e. does it "burp" itself, or is there something I need to do?)

As for draining the coolant, are there drain plugs, should I just pull the lower radiator hose to drain the system?

How long do stock hoses last? Don't mine replacing them, but I don't want to do it if they'll last another 5 years when it's time to replace my coolant again. (Guess there are at least four hoses - two to the radiator, two heater hoses.)

Does Toyota have specific "factory" coolant, or should I just use some generic "name brand" stuff?

TIA!

 

[Edgeman]

I just found this:

http://www.xr-underground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40752

I think it answers most of my questions, but it doesn't state where the block drains are located or how to find them. Should I also replace the thermostat?

 

[Torspd]

Block drains are under each header. 10mm socket to open them.

Jack the front end up, and turn on the heater on high.

 

[TRON]

After putting in a blower, quick shifter and UCon, never thought about maintenance...

 

[chatt x]

http://www.xr-underground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52362

This guy did a great "how to" with pics.

 

[Edgeman]

http://www.xr-underground.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52362

This guy did a great "how to" with pics.

That's awesome! Thanks!