92 F150, 351W, AT (E4OD), A/C, 4x4, standard cab, short bed


I need to replace the radiator in my truck. I went to a web site to see what they have listed for my make and model and there were several choices.

First off, should I get a stock replacement or use something else? Secondly, once I figure out what I am going to use, what is the best way to determine what part I should buy?

I looked on the old radiator (that is still in the truck) to try and find the Ford part number but I couldn't locate it.

Any help is appreciated.

Joe

 

Even though I work at a dealership, we can get aftermarket radiators much cheaper so thats what we price to our customers. I havent had any problems with a good aftermarker radiator.

 

There are two stock choices when looking for a new radiator--one row and two row radiator.

The single row is over 1 inch thick at the core (top) and is the standard radiator. The two row radiator was part of the factory Super Cooling option and it is over 2 inches thick at the core.

It is possible to replace a single row radiator with a two row--but you may need a different fan shrout---Ford put different fan shrouts on the factory Super Cooling heavy duty option. But I cant see what difference it would make and why a different shrout would be necessary--there is only about a one inch diffference between the width of the two radiators.

The strange thing is that all of the gasoline V8s (302,351,460 and F150,F250,F350) use the same radiator.And most replacement radiators will have the cooling tank for an automatic transmission--even for manual transmission applications.

Most of the aftermarket radiators are Chinese Communist--I dont know about you--but I am tried of buying Chinese Communist products everywhere. The Chinese radiators on the internet will run 123-150 dollars including shipping and have a lifetime warranty in most cases.Most of the internet suppliers of these Chinese Comunist radiators are not proud of their Chinese source and will not list the name brand and will tell you the source of the radiator only when asked.

OEM Ford radiators--the Super Cooling size--will list for 248 dollars --but are discounted to 198 dollars --plus shipping on the internet.

 

It isn't all that strange. Rather than make different parts Ford can save money by making a 1 size fits all deal. There are several examples of situations where parts interechange to make it easier and cheaper in the long run.

 

Well--it is strange that a manufacturer uses the same radiator to factory cool a 302 and a 460 in a half ton or a 1 ton. I agree that this is a good thing when you own a truck that is over ten years old and needs parts.

I believe that these Ford trucks are overengineered and this would seem to reinforce that belief.

How many vehicles have you owned that have only one model year application for a single part number?? With no apparent reason for the change in the part?? Many Japanese vehicles are like this.

I agree that Ford seems to make an effort to keep part interchangability to the maximum. The only problem with this is when you try to replace cosmetic parts--they will not match some of the time (gear shift *****--for example).

 

Never owned a Japanese vehicle so I wouldn't know what that's like

I bet you'd find many manufacturers have radiators that cover large/smaller engines, purely speculation though. I duno, I just don't find it strange when you think about such things as how interechangeable the suspensions are between F-150/350 in 80-96, as well as other things. Doesn't surprise me in the least.

 

I suspect that you are making my point--most aftermarket auto parts guys will tell you that Japanese car/truck manufacturers make mid model year changes all of the time and that it is a real pain to try to match the correct part to the vehicle the customer wants the part for.

I agree that many American manufacturers have more interchangeble parts in their vehicles--but still to have one radiator for this wide range of GVW and model years and engine displacements--is still strange--or unusual at best.