Rad is finished. What options do I have?

[RSchwarzli]

Hey guys, the rad from the crew is finished and needs to be fixed or replaced before instalation.



My options are rebuild it with a 4 core (there is a really good shop about 100 miles away and have redone other 1st gen units) or replace it with a aftermarket aluminum type. If I do go aftermarket like Flex-A-lite, I will need to go with a second gen model due to availability.



Also if it helps, I will be using electric fans regardless of what route I take.



Any thoughts?



Thanks!

 

[Sri Ram]

They say that a rebuild will last longer and flow better than a new one. Also, consider where parts come from. If you can get US made parts, they're often of better quality than the Asian import radiators. My two cents...

 

["Mad Max"]

concur - The factory unit is the best thing to put back in there. Have it redone nice and new, install it same as it was before, and enjoy not having to fabricate anything :-laf.

- M2

 

[therabbittree]

I don't know a nice aluminum 2nd gen cool flow us made with the flexlight aluimun dual electric fan sounds the best to me. . I'd like to do that if I could afford it. . eventually.

Thanks

Deo

 

["Mad Max"]

Suit yourself . I dunno, my '93 factory rad cools my 280 hp Cummins all day long pulling 20,000 lbs - no need any more than that. If the factory rad isn't cooling it is most likely not a fault of the rad, more a bunch of gunk in the rad or in the fins that are preventing the rad from transferring heat and working at peak performance.



Plus, one nice thing about the 1st gen radiators is they fit a 1st gen . Seriously fellas, save the fabing, time, and $ for something else.



- M2

 

[dpuckett]

... Plus, one nice thing about the 1st gen radiators is they fit a 1st gen . Seriously fellas, save the fabing, time, and $ for something else.



- M2

Like a 2ndGen intercooler:-laf. Well worth the effort, IMO. I agree on the cooling, though- MMiller has towed some HEAVY loads, and I dont think he has too much in the way of cooling issues. I towed into the mid 20s GCVW, and had no problems.



DP

 

[JLEONARD]

I just replaced my top flow style with an aftermarket type but I don't believe it's aluminum... weighed as much as the original. Did not come from a chain store but from a real radiator shop that my son does business with. Cost me $250 and that was his cost. . retail would have been probably $300.

I think good new replacements are out there but you won't find them at Autozone, etc.

But then again there is really nothing wrong with aluminum. I've had them before and they do a good job.



Jay