Standard Radiator Replacement

[tcm glx]

So, Vics ride has a very very very thing what looks like a single core radiator from the factory. Not sure why, but it is tiny. Wanting to replace with an OEM 3 core drop in style.

Recomendations???

[Kyles95]

Jerad's Bronco came with a very tiny single core radiator as well. A three core unit will drop right in with no modifications at all. Only beef I have with all newer radiators is the fact that the tanks are plastic rather than aluminum and are o-ringed to help them seal and leak after getting them too hot. My factory 3 core started leaking a tiny bit at the tank and it was damn near impossible to find, I would overheat only when four wheeling all day and I never knew why, I was finally found bubbles coming out at the seam and found I had a bad radiator cap, a new modine 3 core radiator and stant cap fixed her right up. Search on FSB for a Heatbuster radiator - Four core Modine unit that I think is for a F350 with a 5.8L motor, drops right in

[Silverslk]

Tony, I got a Visteon (HD cooling) radiator from Radiatorbarn.com or 1800radiators (cant remember). I would recommend doing the Napa Superstat (stock temp) and motorcraft waterpump (rockauto) like I did. I can't get my truck warm even pulling hills with four people and those four 240mm lightforce lights blocking the grill. haha

[Silverslk]

Oh and the tow package is 2 row not 3....from what I have seen.

[philofab]

All aluminum tank start to crack all over the place after a few thousand heat cycles. Plastic end tank radiators last longer, that why all OEMs use this style.

I just bought a Modine brand replacement on my crew cab years ago when I thought it ran hot. Made no difference over the stock one. I have never had a problem with either.

[Silverslk]

Tony, you remember my youtube video? It seems like if the system is maintained right you shouldn't need super huge 4 core radiators. I leave my truck sit idling for long periods with no worry and as the video shows.....runs good in 122°F temps. This was loaded with me, Lily and Brian (and all our crap) going to Oklahoma to visit family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb2qDYCg2-Q

[shockseals.com]

I prefer OEM T-stats and gaskets. My local parts house matched 1800 radiator...I think it was 100 or 125 for a new radiator with lifetime warranty.

Use 40/60 water/coolant and a half bottle of water wetter. Long baja sandwashes up hill will not be in issue in the summer.

If its old replace all the hoses too even the little guys running in random places. The little guys will give up at the worst times while in mexico. Ask me how I know.

[philofab]

I zip tie my old hoses and belts behind my front bumper as spares. That has saved my ass a few times.

[campbbg]

I am in the same boat and trying to decide between the "heatbuster" 4 row or an aluminum one like they featured recently in off-road magazine.

Here is the link to the 4 row "heatbuster"

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp ... 1157078692___

I am pretty sure that you can get it cheaper from 1800-radiator. But add promo code BIG50 and it is down to 218.99.

[navynuke]

I am still running the all metal OEM one that came in my 82. Had it rodded and cleaned last summer and no issues with it.

[damon1272]

I prefer OEM T-stats and gaskets. My local parts house matched 1800 radiator...I think it was 100 or 125 for a new radiator with lifetime warranty.

Use 40/60 water/coolant and a half bottle of water wetter. Long baja sandwashes up hill will not be in issue in the summer.

If its old replace all the hoses too even the little guys running in random places. The little guys will give up at the worst times while in mexico. Ask me how I know.

The OEM T-stats will puncture the "bridge" where the pin is. When that happens, the T-stat is permenantly close. The Stant Super Stat is a much better design.

[hobbyturnedobsession]

You guys will laugh but I bought one from kragen, 4 core with metal tanks. 400 but lifetime warranty and man it made a huge difference.

[johncharlesb]

The heavy duty radiator I put in a 88 F350 dump truck was two oblong cores. It was as large as the older four core style. It was two hundred bucks from the discount auto store, Autozone. It was a couple of years ago and the price might be up a bit.

[hobbyturnedobsession]

I'll tell you what, they work amazing.

[shockseals.com]

I prefer OEM T-stats and gaskets. My local parts house matched 1800 radiator...I think it was 100 or 125 for a new radiator with lifetime warranty.

Use 40/60 water/coolant and a half bottle of water wetter. Long baja sandwashes up hill will not be in issue in the summer.

If its old replace all the hoses too even the little guys running in random places. The little guys will give up at the worst times while in mexico. Ask me how I know.

The OEM T-stats will puncture the "bridge" where the pin is. When that happens, the T-stat is permenantly close. The Stant Super Stat is a much better design.

Got a picture? Has this happened to you?

[damon1272]

No pictures. I have changed out a lot of them when I worked at Bondurant. The high heat (ambient temp) and pressure caused the OEM t-stats to fail after about a year. The super stat is made out of stailess steel and is thicker than a standard t-stat. We would replace with the super stat and never had a problem again.