Found a 99-04 radiator (listed this way) and I can't think of anything different from 97/98 and the 99+ in regards of the radiator and mounting.

Advice?

 

I haven't read up on this in a while but were the 97 and 98s dual core? I dont remember which ones got em and which ones didn't. Idk just talking out my ***. Lol

 

The F250 (same body style) were the only ones that had the big radiator as far as I know; but could be wrong on that. However, to answer your question, they should fit right in. I have the big radiator in my '02 and when I ordered it, I ordered one for a '97 F250LD.

 

Auto or manual trans would make a difference. On the auto trans, the trans cooler is part of the radiator. But maybe for the manual trans they just plug the holes off? I dunno. Just make sure it has the threads for the trans lines. Unless you have an aftermarket cooler.

 

Mines a dual core, always has been, I'm looking to get a fully aluminum radiator. Its listed for a lightning, which would be automatic, and 2 row cooler. I'm just concerned with the mounting.

 

Oh and I do have an aftermarket cooler for the trans

 

Not much action from this site anymore?
Mishimoto makes an all aluminum replacement for the lightning. Same radiator right?

Also flexalite makes universal one that looks appealing but not for price.

 

Can anyone point out why the 97/98 is supposedly different than a 99/03 range radiator?

 

Supposedly, the early years came stock in every truck wtih a 2 core radiator; about twice as thick as the later year radiators. At some point they switched and only put the big radiator in the F150/7700. Not a bad call because if you're not towing often and big, the stock radiator actually does a nice job.

 

That's the stock 2 row about 2 1/4"? I had an overheating issue with that one and am looking for even more cooling. They should all slip into place?

 

Dude, I don't mean to call you out or anything, but if you truly have the big radiator and are having cooling/overheating probelms...it's not that radiator. What indications did you have of overheating problems while running that radiator; do you have a real temp gague?

I pulled my toy hauler of undisclosed weight (becuase there are folks that would ring my kneck for towing that) up through northern Cali mountains, across Nevada and Colorado, continued clear across country (to NC) and half way back in June. Never once came close to a cooling problem with that radiator and two 16" Derale Tornado fans.

 

^ditto, ive pulled a 6k trailer through the hilliest parts of iowa more than once. Never had a overheating problem either. Something tells me its due to your S/Ced motor generating a little more heat. Have you checked your water pump to make sure its not rotted away like the many i have seen. You running e-fans or stock?

 

One run it puked all of my coolant tank, then another it vented off and hit limp mode, I think those are strong indicators I had a problem, correct? Also galaxy, no sir I do not have a true temp gauge, I want one and a trans temp as well as a boost gauge, but my pillar already has fuel pressure, wideband and oil Pres, but that's drifting off topic. I have twin 16 derale fans, not straight blade (are they called tornado?)

My toy hauler weighed in at the 8000# mark with minimal gear inside, my guess is yours is similar?

97 lariat: water pump is new sir, I run a similar setup as galaxy as far as fans go. I'm not sure if my water pump is stock or if I actually bought the cobra water pump that's supposedly better or if I just thought about it. The pump has a flange covering the vanes of the pump. But that was almost 7 years ago and I can't find the receipt.

 

Dear Klitch,

It is a great honor to be able to help you as you have helped me and also entertained me in your sas thread so many years ago. But your problem isn't the rad at all.

 

Rather than the radiator, you feel its?