I hit a dog..

[whoadi5150]

So a really big dog ran out in front me on the highway. I had two vehicles behind me and couldn't brake in time to stop. Needless to say the dog did alot of damage. Before the incident I already had a leak at the "tee" mold coming from the thermostat. Now I have a lot more to replace and was wondering if some could point me in the correct order I should tackle these repairs. I'll leave out bumper, and bumper guard being that's cosmetic and not my priorities right now. I need to replace my a/c condenser radiator, actual radiator, upper coolant hose assembly, lower radiator hose, and curious to if I should change the water pump while I'm at it. I just replaced a thermostat about 3months prior to the incident so I believe that should be fine. Where should I begin? What order makes the most sense to tackle? All help greatly appreciated!

 

[fyre82]

Take it apart from the outside in and replace in reverse.
If you want to do the water pump, it's easier without the radiators there, and since you are replacing them anyway . . .
A thorough check of the radiator support would be prudent as well.

Cheers
Rich

 

[ericbphoto]

If money is tight and you have to do this in stages, I would do it this way.

1. Radiator and hoses - engine needs these to live a long life. Do the pump if it's old and has a lot of miles

2. Bumper - hey, what if you have to bump into something else? I see that as a safety item. Should be cheap off Craigslist or junk yard

3. Finally, the A/C condensor - at this time of year, most places in our country are bearable without A/C for the next few months. Open the windows and smell something besides the paper tree hanging from your mirror or your own farts.

But hey, that's just my opinion and you know what they say about opinions.

 

[97RangerXLT]

if the dog belongs to someone... they are liable for the damages caused by said dog.

That being said, it might be easier to bite the bullet and fix it yourself and submit a bill to the owners in hope that they reimburse you.

I would agree with Eric on what needs to be done. but for what it is worth, I replaced the bumper on my 97 two years ago for 55 bucks from the local pull a part. new bumper had the air dam and all of the mounting brackets and hardware as well. 4 bolts and it was on.

Regards,

AJ