Need to install a new radiator, but unsure of which one to get. Rockauto has choices for H.D cooling and Max cooling. How do I know if I have one of these ?

The truck is a 1997 standard cab standard bed F150 with auto trans, A/C and a 4.6 V8. It also has a factory tow package and a 2 core radiator.

 

You'll need to measure the radiator core section and also know the transmission cooler line fitting size. Compare to whats listed there on Rock Auto to see which one is right.

 

Perhaps I did not make myself clear.

The RockAuto site has radiator part numbers based on whether the vehicle has A/C [mine does]; whether it is a 1 or 2 core [mine is 2]; whether the line fitting is 5/16" or 3/8" [which I can easily measure]; and whether it has H.D. cooling, Max cooling, or neither.

My question is "How do I know if I have Max cooling or H.D. cooling ?"

 

Well, you may not need to know that. According to Rock Auto website, the Vista Pro radiators are specific to oil cooler line fitting size. Not wether or not its super or heavy duty cooling. It lumps both the normal capacity and heavy duty radiators together under one part number depending on the size of the cooler line fitting if im reading that right. Looks like what you need to know is the size of that fitting.
That's a good question, I dont know how you would know that. Also, look at the pictures beside the part listing and compare with yours. Looks like the end tanks are different and see if you can narrow it down

 

Justin, I appreciate that you are trying to help, but the question is "How do I know if I have HD or Max cooling ?"
As for RockAuto, they have 1 radiator for $125 described as-
"Replaces OEM 2 Row Core with 3/8" trans fitting
Replaces OEM 2 Row Core"

They have another one for $145 described as-
"w/ 3/8 Flare Fitting Transmission Oil Cooler; 2 Row; Fits w/o AC
w/ 3/8 Flare Fitting Transmission Oil Cooler; 2 Row; Fits w/AC
w/ 3/8 Flare Fitting Transmission Oil Cooler; 2 Row; Fits w/MAX Cooling
w/ 3/8 Flare Fitting Transmission Oil Cooler; 2 Row; Fits w/H.D. Cooling"

Judging from the fitment for the radiators on their site, it doesn't matter if it has A/C or not, as all of the individual listings that mention AC say they fit with or without AC.

The difference in these two radiators is that the more expensive one says it fits trucks with Max or H.D. cooling. The other one does not say this. SO my question is

How do I know if I have HD or Max cooling ????

 

Already said I cant answer that question. In response to your title question "which radiator do I have?" These pics might could help.

Here's the first one you described. "Replaces OEM 2 Row Core with 3/8" trans fitting
Replaces OEM 2 Row Core"





And here's the second one you described. "w/ 3/8 Flare Fitting Transmission Oil Cooler; 2 Row; Fits w/o AC
w/ 3/8 Flare Fitting Transmission Oil Cooler; 2 Row; Fits w/AC
w/ 3/8 Flare Fitting Transmission Oil Cooler; 2 Row; Fits w/MAX Cooling
w/ 3/8 Flare Fitting Transmission Oil Cooler; 2 Row; Fits w/H.D. Cooling"

So which one does the one in your truck look like? The end tank on that second one looks thinner.

 

Thats easy, get the heavier duty one and you are set.

 

If you have factory trailer package you should have Max cooling.

Either way, as long as the cooler lines fit, I'd go with the Max cool even if the truck didn't originally have it.