after fixing my overheat,my radiator came in contact with the cooling fan...the only radiator's I can find are either new,or for an 85+.would this rad work in my truck?my junkyard buddy is trying to get me to buy one from a 2000's chevy Tahoe,cause the hoses are on the same side as my rad.would rather buy a used radiator,then something from a different vehicle.


my after a day of research I am less informed then a was before I started.so its either a $100+ rad from advanced auto,or this one from ebay.I should also add that the radiator that was in the truck,was a lot smaller then the frame of the core support it was sitting in.


here is the radiator im looking at.the truck is going for inspection Friday,and don't want to miss it. 88 Ford F150 Radiators 6 300 4 9L 1 Thick at 187957 | eBay

 

Have you checked at Rockauto?

 

yes $130 plus shipping....

 

And Bronco Graveyard?.

 

JMO radiators go bad and not just from mileage. I wouldn't consider putting in a used 20 year old radiator unless you feel like changing it again soon. I would wait until you have the $130 for a new one. They are pretty easy to change out though, I put a new one in and it took maybe 1 1/2 hours which would be less if you know what you are doing unlike me

 

I got one from a 80-84 f series.i paid $40 from a junkyard,should be fine to pass inspection.....I don't see how a radiator can go bad.it is either copper, aluminum or brass,and should not rot.

 

Well, its not that the radiator itself really goes bad per-se. But after years of use grime clogs up the tiny opening and no reasonable or worthwhile amount of flushing or cleaning at home will bring it back to prime condition. Also all those metals DO deteriorate slowly and you can have problems just with old metal. I wouldn't necessarily say you WILL have problems with it quickly but it just seems like buying new is easier in most cases. However if you can save 90 bucks when money is tight I totally get that. Its not being miserly, its just weighing the pros and cons at the moment.

 

should have bought new and rescheduled the appointment......learned a $40 lesson.the used radiator popped 20 miles later.

 

Sorry that happened. Good vibes to you and hope you have better luck with the new one!At least you tried and at least it won't be to much work to put a new one in.