Is there any drawback from putting a radiator made for a 4WD on a 2WD and having an extra row? 
3 row vs. 2 row radiator
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 153
Likes: 3
3 row vs. 2 row radiator
I have a 2WD 77 F250 CS and I need to replace the 40 year old radiator. I have found one at LMC for $299 but it is for a 4WD 3 row. Mine calls for a 2 row radiator. Is there any drawback from putting a radiator made for a 4WD on a 2WD and having an extra row? Thanks.
Jack
Jack
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
No drawback what so ever. You will never regret having too much radiator. Having a shroud never hurt either. As long as the new radiator correctly fits the core support opening and there is adequate fan to core clearance, you should be good to go.
Hard to believe a Camper Special had a small radiator.
Hard to believe a Camper Special had a small radiator.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
My '78 F250 4 WD came as original with a two row ("standard cooling" I believe). When It got leaky about 6 years ago I replaced with a parts store "3 row extra cooling" copper/brass replacement. What I did not realize was the rows were thin. It wanted to warm up on a hard pull at speed. A sign of not enough radiator.
I then replaced with a Champion 4 core and cooling at speed is excellent.
I would suggest a bit more research before buying the LMC offering. What is original core size? (height, width and especially thickness?). What are dimensions of the LMC offering? What are other alternatives?
I have had good luck with Champion. Others have also. Some folks recently have had good luck with plastic tank aluminum core parts store radiators.
I then replaced with a Champion 4 core and cooling at speed is excellent.
I would suggest a bit more research before buying the LMC offering. What is original core size? (height, width and especially thickness?). What are dimensions of the LMC offering? What are other alternatives?
I have had good luck with Champion. Others have also. Some folks recently have had good luck with plastic tank aluminum core parts store radiators.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 153
Likes: 3
3 row vs 2 row radiator
Thanks guys. More investigation is the answer. I found a 3 row all aluminum from Mac's and it appears to be a FFM like I need. It's a Champion too. I'm lucky in that my dentside is all original. Thanks again.
Jack
Jack
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
The radiator support used with the Super Cooling radiator has a larger opening radius. The fan shroud is also specific to the Super Cooling radiator.
Standard/Xtra Cooling & A/C radiators measure approx. 26 1/4" wide x 19 3/4" high.
Super Cooling radiator (has a HUGE top tank) measures approx. 26 1/4" wide x 24 3/4" high.
If your 1977 F250 Camper Special has a 460, it originally came with the Super Cooling radiator.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 153
Likes: 3
ND,
I just went out and measured as best I could on the still installed radiator. It measures about 26 1/2" across the fins by 19 1/2" high. Measuring across the top it measures right at 2 1/2" wide. It is a FFM one. Is that the stock radiator? The engine is a 400 in a 2WD 77 F250 CS. Thanks.
I just went out and measured as best I could on the still installed radiator. It measures about 26 1/2" across the fins by 19 1/2" high. Measuring across the top it measures right at 2 1/2" wide. It is a FFM one. Is that the stock radiator? The engine is a 400 in a 2WD 77 F250 CS. Thanks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 6
Good advice all the way around. The only other bit is that LMC charges a bit high for shipping. If you are having it shipped, use stores like Summit Racing. They don't charge shipping for >$100 orders.
Last edited by 84espy; Aug 26, 2017 at 01:31 PM. Reason: Correct spellin
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 153
Likes: 3
Update on the Radiator. I got the all aluminum 3 row radiator from Mac's Auto parts. It was $249 plus FedEx next day shipping for $309 total. I pulled the fan shroud and after cleaning it, I primed it with Krylon Plastic primer and gave it 3 coats of satin black paint. Looks like it came off the parts shelf in '77. Pulling and replacing the radiators was almost as easy as changing the oil. The only issue I had was the original self tapping bolts that attached the fan shroud to the radiator quickly stripped out the softer aluminum. A quick trip to Lowes and I put 4 flat nuts (?) and they cinched right up. Thanks to all. Now to that sloppy steering.
Jack
Jack
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Norm Spaulding
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Apr 30, 2008 09:54 AM
rboeding
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Oct 17, 2006 11:29 AM
unrulee
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Jun 7, 2006 01:04 AM