Heater core replacement

Yep, this job is a fun Saturday full day job. Take you time and you will get it done.

Here is a super generic guide to get you started:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

Here are some diagrams of what it will be like on your car. The evaporator housing can stay it just shows some of the bolts that need to be removed.

Please let us know what happens and upload pictures or videos of the problem.

Cheers, Ken

At least it is a 1996. On those the core can be removed without tearing everything apart. You drop the column, pull the dash and remove the back of the case.

This should give you an idea of the job.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiwfuA5O-ok

It's under the dash. Here is a picture:

Let me know if this helps.

Hello,

Labor time is about 5.5

.

Replacement procedures of your heater core are below. Read over instructions and be certain you can perform this repair before starting. Otherwise damage to vehicle or harm to self can occur.

REMOVAL:
Disconnect the negative battery cable and properly drain the engine cooling system to a level below the heater core.
Disconnect the heater hoses from the core tubes near the cowl.

NOTE: The instrument panel carrier is designed not only to provide access to parts through removal of the carrier components, but the carrier will also tilt downward as a complete assembly to allow access from the top. If this is desired, remove the retainer screws along the top and bottom of the carrier assembly. The instrument panel will then tilt as an assembly into the cab. It is necessary to unbolt and lower the steering column from the carrier to allow for maximum movement of the instrument panel.

The instrument panel must be removed or repositioned for access to the heater core case. Unbolt and either tilt the instrument panel forward or disengage the instrument panel components and remove the panel from the vehicle. In most cases, tilting the panel forward should be sufficient for the necessary access, but if necessary remove the panel refer to in this guide.
Unfasten the heater core rear case retaining screws, then remove the rear case for access to the heater core.
Loosen the retainers and remove the heater core retaining straps.
Remove the heater core and seals.

((Fig. 1: Exploded view of a common heater core and case assembly))

INSTALLATION:
Install the heater core and seals, taking care not to damage the core tubes when inserting them through the cowl.
Install and secure the core retaining straps.
Install the rear case and secure using the screws.
Reposition and secure the instrument panel and components. Tighten the cowl screws to 17 inch lbs. (1.9 Nm) and the lower instrument panel screws to 66 inch lbs. (7.5 Nm).
Connect the heater hoses to the core tubes.
Connect the negative battery cable, then properly refill the engine cooling system.
Run the engine at normal operating temperature, then check for leaks.

Thanks for using 2CarPros.com !

First you have to remove the entire dash assembly

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove lamp switch trim plate attaching screws, then pull lamp switch rearward and disconnect wiring harness, Fig. 23.
3. Remove A/C and heater control assembly attaching screws, then pull control assembly rearward and disconnect electrical connector.
4. Remove filler panel attaching screws and filler panel, Fig. 24.
5. Remove instrument cluster housing attaching nuts and cluster housing.
6. Remove instrument cluster attaching nuts, then pull cluster rearward and disconnect electrical connector and speedometer cable.
7. Disconnect transmission control cable from steering column, then remove steering column attaching bolts and lower steering column.
8. Remove ashtray and any wires needed for clearance to remove radio trim plate.
9. Remove radio trim plate, then the nuts from the support clips, Fig. 25.
10. Remove support bracket retaining screws, then pull radio rearward and disconnect electrical connectors, antenna cable and speaker connectors.
11. Remove speaker grille attaching screws, then the speakers, Fig. 26.
12. Remove instrument panel attaching bolts and nuts, then pull panel rearward, disconnect all electrical connectors and remove panel.
13. Reverse procedure to install.

Heater Core Replacement

Remove Or Disconnect
1.Engine coolant.
2.Heater hoses.
*Refer to "Heater Hose". See: Heater Hose Replacement
3.Instrument panel.
*Refer to "Dash Board" under Body and Frame / Interior Trim. See: Body and FrameInterior Molding / TrimDashboard / Instrument Panel
4.Rear case screws. (88)
5.Rear case. (96)
6.Screws. (94)
7.Straps. (93)
8.Heater core. (92)
9.Seals. (89 & 90)

Install Or Connect
1.Seals. (89 & 90)
2.Heater core. (92)
3.Straps. (93)
4.Screws. (94)
5.Rear case. (96)
6.Rear case screws. (88)
7.Instrument panel.
8.Heater hoses.
9.Engine coolant.
*Check the system for leaks.

Here's a guide on heater core replacement, not vehicle specific but will give you an idea of whats involved

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

All the images area attached below that go with the instructions for your truck

HEATER CORE REPLACEMENT

Remove Or Disconnect

Engine coolant.
Heater hoses.

Refer to "Heater Hose". See: Heater Hose Replacement

Instrument panel.

Refer to "Dash Board" under Body and Frame / Interior Trim. See: Body and Frame Interior Moulding / Trim Dashboard / Instrument Panel

Rear case screws. (88)
Rear case. (96)
Screws. (94)
Straps. (93)
Heater core. (92)
Seals. (89 & 90)

Install Or Connect

Seals. (89 & 90)
Heater core. (92)
Straps. (93)
Screws. (94)
Rear case. (96)
Rear case screws. (88)
Instrument panel.
Heater hoses.
Engine coolant.

Check the system for leaks.