Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Radiator size

[MAllen1]

I need a little knowledge. My radiatodor is leaking is above the draincock at the endcap. With almost 300k on the truck, its just as easy, and probably more reliable, to replace it than fix. My issue is, the only place that would tell me is LMC (so far), that I am only able to find a 2 row radiator. Is this the only thickness of radiator? If so, I can't go thicker for the fan. I just thought that with the thickness of the whole radiator, it'd have more rows than 2. While i'm on the subject, any suggestions on other companies selling radiators for second gen. trucks? Thanks

 

[BigPapa]

Mine's leaking from the same place after @ 400K miles. I just replaced mine with this 3-row from RockAuto for $168 including shipping.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=271615&cc=1400162

 

[ESwartzer]

Ive been researching all week on a new radiator for my 98. 5 and have concluded that most are junk. The core thickness on most is between 2. 25" and 2. 3/8" and all were aluminum with plastic tanks. The one I,m replacing is a damaged aftermarket copper core 4 row 2 3/4" thick and I could not find its equal anywhere on the internet. What I did find are three manufacturers that have a quality product, BTR (built tough radiators), Griffin, and Mishimoto. BTR is an all metal radiator including the tanks, but they were having production problems, Mishimoto was a great product, all aluminum with polished tanks but was pricey. So I ordered the Griffin which is the equal to the Mishimoto but costs less. I bought mine at Amazon and with quick shipping totalled $701, not cheap but worth it in my opinion. Most radiators develop leaks at the seal between core and plastic tanks and I dont think there is a fix for that, at least not on the road. Welded metal tanks are much better and give me peace of mind. I dont think you could go wrong with any of the three I mentioned.

 

[ESwartzer]

By the way I read that the number of rows means very little in the way of cooling, proper design means much more!

 

[BigPapa]

I'd buy one from Dodge for $400 before I paid $700 for something else. Mine lasted me 400K miles and did an excellent job.

 

[ESwartzer]

If you got 400k with a stock one more power to you. I personally have had two with plastic tanks that have leaked at the tank/ core connection. I also tow heavy in the southwest where its regularly in the low hundreds so I need the best cooling and reliability I can get.