changing to larger radiator?
changing to larger radiator?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 442
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From: Keyser, WV
On my 2000 f-150 the original thin radiator was replaced by the thick one under warranty---everything bolted into place, the only new parts were the radiator. Is it worthwhile, depends on towing heavy loads uphill in the summertime and possibly sitting in a traffic jam in the desert for hours. If this is not what your truck will be doing then no need to change radiators.
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
My 01 5.4 supercrew has the thin radiator. I was traveling through Boise last summer during record hi temps. While pulling my RV (~5500 lbs) in 107°F temps, I did not experience a problem.
One thing worth noting: when I asked the dealership about the radiator thickness (mine does have the factory tow package), the shop foreman told me that the '01s have an auxiliary radiator, not a thicker one - not sure if I believe him.
One thing worth noting: when I asked the dealership about the radiator thickness (mine does have the factory tow package), the shop foreman told me that the '01s have an auxiliary radiator, not a thicker one - not sure if I believe him.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup, WA
If you are relying on the stock "gauge" to inform you on the engine temp, then don't expect much.
It's nothing more then a fancy idiot light. It'll sit at it's "normal" range from 150* to probably over 220*.
I've got Autometer Water and Trans temp gauges and so far I've not seen the water temp go over 195*, even when towing. Okay, it's still Winter, and I've not towed my #4500 TT with the gauge in the summer, but I still don't think there will be much of a change. Well, I guess I already have the bigger rad too, so I think my experience is moot for all you folks with the 1" rad anyway.......
It's nothing more then a fancy idiot light. It'll sit at it's "normal" range from 150* to probably over 220*.
I've got Autometer Water and Trans temp gauges and so far I've not seen the water temp go over 195*, even when towing. Okay, it's still Winter, and I've not towed my #4500 TT with the gauge in the summer, but I still don't think there will be much of a change. Well, I guess I already have the bigger rad too, so I think my experience is moot for all you folks with the 1" rad anyway.......
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 568
Likes: 0
From: Tustin,Ca
Originally posted by MitchF150
If you are relying on the stock "gauge" to inform you on the engine temp, then don't expect much.
It's nothing more then a fancy idiot light. It'll sit at it's "normal" range from 150* to probably over 220*.
I've got Autometer Water and Trans temp gauges and so far I've not seen the water temp go over 195*, even when towing. Okay, it's still Winter, and I've not towed my #4500 TT with the gauge in the summer, but I still don't think there will be much of a change. Well, I guess I already have the bigger rad too, so I think my experience is moot for all you folks with the 1" rad anyway.......
If you are relying on the stock "gauge" to inform you on the engine temp, then don't expect much.
It's nothing more then a fancy idiot light. It'll sit at it's "normal" range from 150* to probably over 220*.
I've got Autometer Water and Trans temp gauges and so far I've not seen the water temp go over 195*, even when towing. Okay, it's still Winter, and I've not towed my #4500 TT with the gauge in the summer, but I still don't think there will be much of a change. Well, I guess I already have the bigger rad too, so I think my experience is moot for all you folks with the 1" rad anyway.......
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 610
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From: WISCONSIN
I got a 2 row (2 inch) radiator from radiator.com for $190 bucks. Cheap insurance for my engine and aluminum heads I figure. I got a 98 4.6L. It's OEM replacement and bolts right on.
You may as well change your radiator hoses and thermostat while you are at it. I got my motorcraft replacements at fordpartsonline.com for about the same price as the goodyear hoses from the local parts house.
You may as well change your radiator hoses and thermostat while you are at it. I got my motorcraft replacements at fordpartsonline.com for about the same price as the goodyear hoses from the local parts house.