Working on going front to rear on a salvaged truck I bought... and came across something that looks really really odd to me. It would appear that I have two radiators under the hood; one bolted into place that's about an inch +/- in thickness; and a second one held in place with zip ties that looks like its about 2 inches thick. Haven't gotten into which one is plumbed up yet; but it just strikes me as darn odd. Is there any reason for this set up that I am not aware of or was the previous owner just THAT lazy when deciding to put in a new radiator that they decided to just half-A it? The truck doesn't run hot so it's not like the set up isn't working... but before I start ripping and replacing wanted to make sure that I'm not missing something. If its what I think (which is that the guy was a complete lazy moron) should I just pull and replace both to be absolutely sure it's "right"?

 

Photo's? If I were to hazard a guess with the limited info provided I would guess A/C condenser if it's the same size. If it's smaller an auxiliary oil cooler of some kind.
I see in your profile it's an 02, a little more info would be helpful too. XL, XLT, FX4? 5.4L, 4.6L, 4.2L? two or four wheel drive? Automatic or manual? Does it have air conditioning, more details can help everyone offer better help

 

Will get some photos tomorrow for the crowd to look at...

They are both the same size, stacked one in front of the other. It is a 5.4, 4wd with FX4. Auto trans with AC.

Like I said it just looks really "off"... but I could be wrong. Thanks for the reply!

 

The big one is your Radiator/Trans Cooler, and the other is for the power steering. If all is stock...

 

I beg to differ with you sir, A quick search of the radiator installed in my 03 FX4 tells me it is 32 inches wide by 17 inches tall roughly. The AC condenser is also this size. The power steering and aux trans coolers are much smaller than that more like 12-14 inches wide and a few inches tall

 

Gents thanks for the feedback; attached are some pictures that I think will help clear it up... the bottom two are power steering and not sure. I'm inclined to believe that both larger units are supposed to be there now based on feedback and some research; trying to figure out now what is "missing" to cause the radiator to be held down with zip ties (removed them and can wiggle it about an inch and a half at the top, bottom seems to be bolted in and stationary. Is there a bracket or brace that I'm missing? Right is def. power steering
View from pass side

 

Heavy duty Trans cooler, maybe came with an option towing package. Not on my 2wd.

As for the top view, your missing the top plastic cover and some mounting clips both metal w/screws and the plastic pop-in type.

 

The 2 smaller ones in front are the power steering and transmission coolers. The 2 full size ones are the actual radiator and the A/C condenser - the A/C is in front and is thinner than the radiator.

 

Figured the left was the trans. cooler that is part of the tow package; wasn't 100% though. Looking at it and searching online based on your feedback I'm thinking I need 2 of the "brackets" that slip over the vertical posts and then bolt into the frame and the plastic cover with the plastic rivets that hold it on... or do you think I'd still be missing something needed to make sure it is properly secured in there?

Thanks again for the reply

 

glc nailed it
what you're missing is the cover over the top I'll attach a photo with the piece you're missing circled in yellow.




It directs the air through the radiator, I imagine the previous owner broke it or never had it

 

Thanks for the feedback; just found it and the metal pieces on eBay so they are on the way!