'05 GMC 5.3L Water Pump

[fatfords]

Hey folks,
I haven't been around much lately since I sold my "parts chaser", but I need help with my '05 GMC and I know where all the smart folks hang out!

A few days ago my truck leaked a bit of anti-freeze in the garage. Turns out its the water pump (61k miles) so I bought the parts and had a couple of hours last night to change it over. I spent most of that time trying to figure out how to drain the radiator. There is no drain plug on the lower driver's side like the Haynes manual shows. It looks like there is a casting for it along with a nipple to hook a drain hose to, but no valve or hose. Stopped at the dealer this morning to get the steering shaft replaced and confirmed with the parts guy that some radiators didn't have a drain valve!?!

It looks like my best option is to remove the lower hose on the passenger side and try to catch as much of the mess that spills out as possible. Anyone ever done this on one of these radiators or have any better ideas?

thanks,
Kent