The radiator controversy has been interesting to follow in this forum. After learning of the controversy, I measured the width of my radiator on my trailer towing package equipped F-150 (4.6L engine) and also found that I have a 1.0", as opposed to the 1.4" discussed in this forum. My truck, by the way, is a year 2002 model, as opposed to the 2001 models mainly discussed in this forum.
Today, I brought my concerns to the attention of my dealer, Steve Williams Ford in Lawrenceburg, TN. They researched the issue, and found the following:

1. The earlier 2001 specs called for a 1.4" radiator when a towing package was ordered. This was true for all such trucks ordered or manufactured on or before May 2001. Because the specs called for the larger radiator, Ford is offering the settlement described earlier. The main grounds for this is that those owners were told one thing, and something else was put into the truck instead. However, Ford maintains that the 1.0" is sufficient to handle the towing loads for which the truck is rated.

Those owners who fall into this category (trucks made prior to May 2001)will automatically be mailed information outlining what their options are, as described elsewhere in this forum. Some have already received the mailing; others are yet to receive theirs.

2. Those Ford F-150s made after May 2001 are subject to the revised specifications which call for a 1.0" radiator when a towing package is ordered.

3. Year 2002 Ford F-150s with trailer packages only come with the 1.0" radiator, and this is true for the 4.6L and 5.4L engines. Owners of Year 2002 models will probably not receive the mailing that certain owners of Year 2001 models will.

With my rig (Year 2002 F-150 Supercrew, 4.6L, 3.55 Limited Slip, Towing Pkge), I will be towing a trailer weighing 6000 lbs this summer. According to the specs, it should do fine. We will know in the summer.

I'd be interested in knowing other's experiences in towing loads in this general range, with the setup I've described above! Thank you.

 

What is the latest, I bought my SCREW in August of 2001, so I'm after the magical May 5th date, but...I paid for the trailer package, which is supposed to have the super cooling, I checked and I do have the 1 inch single pass radiator. Am I SCREWED? I have asked my dealer service manager about this, and so far he is doing his job and playing dumb. I tow a 19 foot travel trailer and don't want to have long term problems that result from a mariginal cooling system. I've heard of class action suits in the works, does anyone have updated information on this issue, or is it dead.

 

Here is what happened, as far as I can recollect:

Ford sent me a letter explaining that there was a mistake in the
literature. They gave me three options. If I remember, the
options were:
1. Queue up at the Ford Dealer to have the radiator upgraded
2. Take $500 credit on my next Ford purchase
3. Cash a check for $50 or $100 (can't remember which)

I took the easiest path and went with #3.

I believe I may have mentioned the radiator issue when I
filled out one of the Ford surveys. I can't remember for sure.
But, maybe that is why I got this letter. Or, it may have been
just luck that my concern reached the right person.

-Dave-

 

disaacs,

Did you buy your truck prior to May 5, 2001?
Thanks

 

Yes,

I bought my truck in April or May 2000.

This was pretty much when they first became generally available, I think.

-Dave-

 

disaacs,

It seems that only those who bought their trucks prior to the May 5, 2001 date are getting the options to: 1) get the proper radiator, 2) get $100.00, or 3) get a certificate for future purchase of a Ford.

What I don't understand is, for those of us that bought after May 5, 2001, what is the difference bewteen standard cooling and the super cooling that is supposed to be part of the towing package if the radiator's are the same size (1-inch)? Anyhow, thanks for your input, it is consistent with others that I have talked to that only those Supercrew owners who bought prior to May 5, 2001 will get something done about their raditors.

It just goes against logic that "super cooling" can be accomplished with the smaller standard radiator. I would like someone at Ford to explain this to me. So Ford, if you monitor this board, how about it?

 

 

Back again after a six month hiatus......I live in Canada and purchased my truck in late September 2000. I did not order my truck from the factory as I found one with the equipment I preferred on a dealer lot....window invoice stated a supercoooling package was installed on the vehicle....I recently received a letter from Ford Canada allowing me three options ....#1.. $150.00 Cdn...#2.. $500.00 towards a new vehicle purchase or lease...#3...The correct radiator installed on my screw...By the way I can say with certainty that the battery on the vehicle is also incorrect.....For those of you who have purchased later than May of 2000, Demand from Ford the correct radiator be installled on your vehicle.....good luck to you all!