I have the motor out of my 92 F150 and there are some fins on the radiator that I'd like to get repaired and, while it is out, I was thinking of having it inspected and reconditioned. But I am not sure if just buying a new one will be easier or less expensive. The motor is a performance motor and I need to make sure I can rely on a good radiator.

Thanks.

 

If it has plastic side tanks, 86 it and get a new one. Preferably with metal tanks. Or spring for a fancy all aluminum model.

 

I had to buy a new one for my 1994 I6....$155....

So, I simply bought another I6 truck, and swapped it in....Issue resolved....

I wouldn't go through the hassle of a recon. radiator for it, when you can simply buy new, and get a warranty...

 

Replace it. No telling how much debris has accumulated in the bottom, or how bad the corrosion/deposits are inside. Griffin makes an excellent product if you're serious.

 

^^^What he said.....I simply got mine from Carquest...House brand/Whatever....

Foundout the hard way, that a Dealer added A/C system is WAYYY Different than the factory setup....I'm having some issues getting the fan shroud to fit back in.....Gonna have to make some brackets for it..

 

hmmm, other than the aluminum ones that are anywhere from $500-900, the replacements only come with plastic tanks. I assume that is what everyone else is using as a replacement? I am NOT going to spend all that money for an aluminum radiator.

 

Mine has the plastic endcaps....No issues here...

 

Nothing wrong with plastic tanks, heck the one in it now lasted almost 20 years didn't it? While they may not be the biggest "bling" they do cool the engine pretty darn good.. If you are expecting extra heat go for the extra cooling version...

 

The one i have now, is TWICE as thick as the factory one...Again...Factory A/C is DIFFERENT, than Dealer A/C

 

If you have the 2-1/4" thick core it's as much as you'll ever need. The all aluminum ones, in practice don't cool any better than the stock tow package radiator. The same goes for all metal 4 row copper/brass. I'd just get a new aftermarket, as to you have yours gone through will probably be about $30-$50 dollars less.

 

If I where doing what you are? I'd buy a new one unless I knew the one it had was clean and solid.

If it always had clean coolant in it, known always retain that bright green appearance even after being in there while, its outward appearance was good too yea I'd consider reusing it.

If it was iffy or had any rust/dirt in it at all I'd spend the money on a fresh one.

 

All metal: Ready-Rad Radiator - Heat Buster Less than $300 USD