Do I need new hoses and clamps, or can I reuse the old ones?

Inspect your existing hoses for cracks, swelling, or hardening before reinstalling. If they're over 5 years old or show wear, swap them out — hose failure after a radiator swap is common. Clamps can be reused if they still clamp firmly without slipping.

What should I flush before installation?

Flush the entire cooling system with distilled water to remove old coolant residue and debris. Don't skip this step — contaminated coolant reduces heat transfer and can cause premature radiator failure. Fill with fresh 50/50 coolant mix rated for your vehicle.

Do I need to bleed air from the system after install?

Yes. Fill the radiator, start the engine, and let it idle until the thermostat opens and coolant circulates through the heater core. You may see air pockets bubble out. Run it until the temperature gauge stabilizes, then top off. Some trucks have a bleed valve on the thermostat housing — check your service manual.