need new radiator soon, upgrades?

[racsan]

i have a slightly leaking radiator (r.h. side, probly the plastic end cap) that i will need to replace, i have a std trans 4.0 with a/c. any known upgrade, maybe one intended for a auto trans? cools fine except when its real hot out and im towing something heavy, then its running a bit warmer than normal, not overheating but enough over normal to concern me and i'll run the heater on high to bring the needle on the guage down. i have 135,000 on the stock unit, oringinal water pump too. antifreeze has been changed a few times, ive thought about doing the water pump as well, even if my current one is still o.k.

 

[Surrey]

I can't say I know of an upgrade for your radiator... I dont think the radiator out of an automatic is any different.

I wouldn't do anything with the water pump until it breaks... It is entirely possible that you get another 130 000 without having problems.

One option could be changing your fan. Tossing in an electric fan would free up a few horsepower, and could give you more control over the temp.

http://therangerstation.com/Magazine/Summer2003/ElectricFanInstall.htm

Running two electric fans (one pusher, one puller) is another idea I have heard of, to get extra cooling out of your radiator.

 

[predator]

do you have the large 4-core radiator or the small teeny tiny thin thing? i personally dont remember if all 4.0's got the 4-core or if it was just the auto's that got the 4-core, but yes, there is a big massive 4-core radiator option for your truck, if you currently have a 4-core and you are getting hot temps you should install an electric fan to keep temps down..also do a really good coolant flush, there may be buildup of sludge, radiator leak sealer or whatnot in your coolant passages in your motor, that also might be contributing to your high temps...

 

[Surrey]

do you have the large 4-core radiator or the small teeny tiny thin thing? i personally dont remember if all 4.0's got the 4-core or if it was just the auto's the got the 4-core, but yes, there is a big massive 4-core radiator option for your truck, if you currently have a 4-core and you are getting hot temps you should install an electric fan to keep temps down..also do a really good coolant flush, there may be buildup of sludge, tranny leak sealer or whatnot in your coolant passages in your motor, that also might be contributing to your high temps...

Well he said he has A/C, so I would think that would give him the biggest rad available, regardless of tranny, but I could be wrong...?

 

[predator]

Well he said he has A/C, so I would think that would give him the biggest rad available, regardless of tranny, but I could be wrong...?

in my '91 explorer i had a/c and a 5spd and i had the teeny tiny thing, i swapped it out for a 4-core, keeps it way cooler, the 4-core btw will also directly fit into 2.9 equipped vehicles and keep things cooler...i never replace with factory parts if i have the option to UPGRADE.