My radiator needs replacing in my 79 F150 4x4 with a 351M - the radiator I'm replacing was custom cored using a 4 row core years ago and is the stock size 19-1/4"x 26-1/4" in the past I added an aftermarket air conditioning system which still works great so I have a condenser in front of the radiator, the radiator did a good job except on very hot days if I idled much the temp gauge would head toward the "H" section until I got moving again. I have ordered a radiator from my local Napa dealer which is the same size as my old one, the radiator I think is the same one that National Parts Depot sells and is model F-8005-2302, Napa's book said it is a 4 row radiator but I notice in the NPD book it may come as a "3HE" which they say is a high efficiency 3 row replacement which will outperform the 4 row. Anyone have any experience with this??
I have also been told that the "super extra cooler" radiator that is for a 460 engine will work in my truck it is 24-1/4" x 26-1/4" model F-8005-2306 - 4 row. Even though this rad is 5" taller is this a direct bolt in?? I also know if I went with this radiator I would have to buy a new fan shroud would anyone know the proper number for this shroud?? With the taller radiator I take it that my stock upper and lower hoses probably wouldn't work would anyone know the numbers of the hoses I would need??
Lastly which route would most of you go?? stick with the stock setup or change everything to allow the larger unit?? Again most of the time my set up works great, just have to take care not to idle to much in hot weather. One thing I didn't mention is I have also added a Summit Racing "7 blade fan" which draws great amounts of air thru the radiator and still have to watch it when idling. I like the fan but with the extra air draw and I guess the weight of the fan my fan belt tends to squeal if I give the engine sudden gas, I only have one belt that runs the fan if it had two I think I would be ok but see know way to run two as my water pump pulley has only one grove.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions and pointers with this project!!

 

I have the big 4 row radiator in my truck. Works great but likje you said when im at idle for a bit the temp goes up till i give it some gas. Ive always wondered if thats die to my water pump. I also know i need a new fan cuz the one on my truck is small and literaly move no air around.lol

What kind of aftermarket air did you use?

 

I broke the fan shroud for my 400. Does anyone suppose it will heat up too fast?

 

The fan and shroud are very important at idle. Hot at idle and cool on a roll usually indicates that air flow is not sufficient.

 

SuperDuty 93
The add on air cond. unit I used was a ARA unit, I think they have gone out of business but Nostalgic Air Parts has taken over the same unit. This is a link to the unit for a 73-79 unit - 1973 - 1979 Ford F-Series Truck A/C Only System - Ford AC Kits for Trucks

This is the same unit I have but mine is still the R12 freon type, I still have access to some R12 and will keep using it as long as I can. My unit will almost run you out of the cab, it cool's great!! I just had it recharged and it only took a 12oz. can after 4 years since the last time I added a can. If it goes up I would not hesitate installing the unit I posted the link on. If you click on the picture of my truck in my link and go to my albums I have an album posted with pictures of the unit installed in my truck. The install is pretty straight forward, I had to cut three cut outs in the dash for the vents, the unit fits behind the dash over top of the heater unit, the worst part of the install is taking the dash apart but once you learn how it's not that bad. Not sure how long it's been since I installed the unit but I guess maybe mid 80's and the unit still works great, I did replace the three speed fan last year for the unit but outside of checking the charge every 2 to 4 years that's all I have done to it. Highly recommend this unit

 

I would just use an electric fan instead of the one on the motor. Then you can have it at full power when idling.

 

Looked at my truck this afternoon with the radiator removed. If I used the radiator for the 460 which is 5" taller and it goes lower in mounting area what do I do about my transmission cooler lines? The existing lines fit right to the original radiator, if the extra cooler radiator goes lower my lines would not be a direct fit and I have a cross member in the way of making them go lower.
Also does anyone know of a water pump pulley that has more groves that I could acquire so I could add another belt to power the water pump pulley on my 351M?? Thanks!!

 

I have the tall radiator in my f150. There should be a radiator hose that you can get for it. It might rub on the frame a little but I cut up the old hose and wrapped it around the new one where it rubs.

 

Oh nice nice. Now your system was an AC only system? And did it hook up to the factory controls?

 

SuperDuty 93
The unit did not hook up to the existing controls. I think I have a picture posted of the center dash unit. There are two *****, one for the temp. and one for the fan speed. Again it's a great unit.

 

That looks just like dealership AC. Nice but yea i was actualy planning on ordering the AC/HEAT/Defrost system so i can use factory controls because they dont sell that control panel like you have anymore so id have to mount it somewhere else. But glad to know it works

 

Superduty 93
Here is another link that may have something that you might want.
Custom Aftermarket A/C Systems & Replacement Parts for Hot Rod, Classic, & Vintage Cars/Trucks

 

Thanks JBK. They dont make a kit for our models. Thats why i like nostalgic Its almost bolt in with little modification needed.