Finally found the time to install my water heater. It came with the truck, and I just haven't had a chance to get it in there. Well, old man winter is gonna start a full court press here pretty soon, so I figured I had better get after the winterization process.
Remove the air cleaner assembly,
Find your starter solenoid, remove the two bolts holding the bracket to the block, and locate the plug in the block right behind it. It's a 3/8NPT plug. For the directional, water circulator this will feed the "IN" side of the heater.
At the thermostat housing is where I decided to flow my hot water back into the block. I have seen many different configurations, but on mine the top plug that faces the passenger side of the truck was just a blank plug. Below it was coolant temp I think, and the other one was to my cab heater. I didn't want to "break the seal" on the cab heater, or alter it in any way, so I extended past it with a pipe and then added my 90 degree elbow. I got that idea from another SS member who had posted up some pics.
I decided to add on/off valves to the unit as well since I was doing this surgery. Why? I can think of a number of reasons, but, why not? If the heater itself fails, I can just close off the valves and replace it without loosing all of my fluid. If I develop a leak in the heater system, I can close the valves and not loose anymore fluid until it can be properly fixed. Whatever. I view it the same as a condom.....you are better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it.
I mounted to the inner fender itself. The SS member I tried to mimic had a way better mount set up on his, but with my limited time, i'm guilty of taking the fastest, easiest route. I didn't go off half cocked though. I drilled, painted so as not to rust, then used nylon lock nuts on the other side so they won't vibrate loose. I do need to back in there, and loom some starter wires, and preemptively fix the large wire harness that rubs on the frame (located below the air cleaner housing) so as to not start another fire like the one I've already had. I thought I had done this one, but must have missed it.