Cheap 4row Radiator install (1 Viewer)

[Outsane]

Sharing what I did to install the cheap aluminum rad.

I know you get what you pay for..
Oem worked for 30 years.
You can skip it

I was reaching hi temps like 220 in 100 plus degree weather and I really don't want to have to fix another head gasket. I want to be able to always keep the ac going and driving anywhere. Old radiator seems like it was in good shape, it looks like it's not the original

I also don't want to spend huge amounts on a Ron Davis. I would rather buy a turbo kit.

https://amzn.to/3NIAuhc

This amazon rad was the answer. For $279
As mentioned in this thread... need to find it.

Lower fan shroud mount needed to be moved over about half an inch. You can leave it and shave the end off the shroud so it can slot in. But this is a better solution.

This is Simon prepping the area.


Next is some trimming of the side brackets

Chop these so you can drop the rad in. Otherwise it won't fit between the brackets on the vehicle .

Also needed to trim the shroud at the upper neck area so the hose would mount all the way.

So far no leaks..
idles at 181 degrees going on a test drive to pick up some BBQ buns.


Won't be able to really test it out until summer comes back.

 

[Outsane]

185 going down the freeway.. so far so good

 

[renago]

Just a curiosity did you tried to clean the old radiator ?

 

[Marvelicious]

I know you get what you pay for..
Oem worked for 30 years.
You can skip it

This forum is really helpful when it comes to spending other people's money. It's a given that you can't go wrong with OEM, but I always appreciate hearing about cheaper options.

I also think you're right about notching the radiator instead of the shroud - if you have to modify, it's usually better to modify the aftermarket part to fit the OEM!

 

[Squeegee]

Dawg you got me tempted

 

[Outsane]

Just a curiosity did you tried to clean the old radiator ?

I did not.

I have flushed out the system.

 

[rdcnj]

Have you given any consideration to cooling flow with the fans?

What type of fans system you have now? Stock fan clutch? Blue clutch fluid?
Aftermarket electrical?
Front push?

Your numbers driving don't seem too much different that what I'm seeing with aftermarket electrical and stock radiator.

 

[azngarage]

I ran similar 4 cores radiator from amazon for about 3 years. From what I had learned the 4 cores radiator is thicker than the OE one. So the radiator is closer to the radiator fan. As your engine mounts is getting wore out, when you bump up a steep obstacle, the fan going to make contact with the radiator.

 

[azngarage]

 

[Outsane]

Have you given any consideration to cooling flow with the fans?

What type of fans system you have now? Stock fan clutch? Blue clutch fluid?
Aftermarket electrical?
Front push?

Your numbers driving don't seem too much different that what I'm seeing with aftermarket electrical and stock radiator.

It has a blue clutch fan, not sure if it was upgraded. Rig used to hover around 195, now it's 185, it's still 70 here in the day time.

 

[Outsane]

View attachment 3760101

Definitely something I want to avoid... I was pondering putting a guard in. I have seen it happen too many times with all radiators.