I have 1997 F250 supercab with 7.5 and automatic trans.
I have a spilt in side of radiator about 4 inches long. I called local shop and they said it could cost $800, but they have to take it apart before they really know. The guy started listing all of the things that could be wrong and caused the radiator to crack. I think the main reason is that it is 23 years old.
I do not believe the motor over heated. I rolled to side of road when the smell of antifreeze reached cab.
Replacing radiator looks straight forward. The one thing I don't know about is the oil cooler. How do I tell if there is an oil cooler? Is it attached to lower hose?
Any tips to make this easier?
Thanks,
Mary

 

The oil cooler will be mounted on the side of the block with the oil filter on it. It is a water to oil cooler and gets it's water supply from the lower radiator hose. It won't affect your radiator replacement.

 

Thanks. I washed the radiator area and moved truck in front of garage. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I'll start taking it apart. I crawled under and bottom hose is easy to get to.
I think I have 150k on truck. Do most people replace all of the hoses? They don't look bad, hard, or cracked. I'm going to put in new thermostat while every thing is apart.

 

150K is when I change all my hoses.