Good morning all, as the title suggests I'll be replacing my truck's radiator and am looking for suggestions on which company to go with. The truck in question is a '14 SD w/350k miles. I've searched the forums extensively with no real luck, but if the specific topic (which brand, NOT general leaks or replacement) has been addressed elsewhere, then please provide the link(s). The radiator has just started to leak on the driver's side, leaving a sizable (5-8" dia) spot when parked after running. Temps have not increased beyond what has been normal range, as seen from the dash gauge or my SCT X4 (when connected).

From my research here I've learned that busted cab mounts can lead to core support flex (due to a weaker magnesium support) exacerbating the factory rad's flaws. Due to my mileage and the signs/symptoms presented (popping, creaking when traversing obstacles or large bumps), Ill be replacing cab mounts. Additionally, I'll install the Mishi (or like product) reinforced core support as well, in order to mitigate future issues with the rad being stressed by body/frame movement.

I have found three companies providing what I want, which is an all-metal radiator addressing the factory issues with a warranty. My question is why should I go with the Mishimoto unit when there have been noted quality issues resulting in their product cracking/leaking just as the OEM? Both Cold Case and AFE have similar specs to the Mishi at a lower cost. I'm not opposed to spending the money to properly repair my rig, but I only want to do so once. So anyone that may have experience with the companies listed below and their product please let me know how it all went so I can make an informed decision. Thanks a lot!

Links to company products:

Mishimoto:
https://www.mishimoto.com/ford-6-7l-...2011-2016.html

Cold Case Radiators:
https://www.coldcaseradiators.com/pr...or?sku=FOT584A

AFE:
https://afepower.com/afe-power-46-52...eries-radiator

 

I admit I've always thought like you as I've perused the aftermarket all aluminum radiators as well.

And truth be told, if that is the original radiator radiator with 350k miles, if you're the original owner, then it did really well...

I have 131k miles and still good to go. Truthfully, if mine goes, I will go with this primary radiator from XPD. It seems they upgraded it from the OEM design.

https://www.xtremediesel.com/xdp-x-t...radiator-xd291

It's from this page here...

https://www.xtremediesel.com/ford-20...s#/showFilters

 

Overkill, thanks for the insight. I have considered using something similar to the OEM, and that option is still on the table, although for a few dollars more the AFE has the all-metal construction that I'd prefer. Your thoughts on the current rad's lifecycle are the same as mine. From what I remember it should be the original; it was a dealership truck prior to my purchase (had just over 200k when I picked it up), and I saw no major repairs listed when I was reading through the docs. Heck, the original CP4.2 was replaced with a DCR about 8k ago not because I needed to, but because I was swapping a water pump and was already halfway there.

I'd be open to the option you posted, but am leery of the plastic tanked rads. I know the heavy duty trucks use this type, but they also remain on-highway 99% of the time. I'm in NW Montana and we have some wild temp swings so over time the constant expansion and contraction not to mention all the logging roads and trails I drive down would potentially end in the same results.

Hopefully some others jump in with their experiences, if any, with these options as well.

 

I wouldn't blame you if you went with that option then... and I hear you as a quality welded aluminum radiator would be stronger than the OEM style plastic tanks rad.

You driving off road on logging roads, with the suspension these Super Dutys have, would pound the snot out of a replacement rad to be sure.