Ok...my radiator had a leak so i put bars leak in it...lasted for 3-4 weeks and now the drip is a steady leak...I am assuming the radiator needs replaced-that i understand and I already pulled it...BUT ... I am new at this so heres my stupid question: when looking for a less expensive radiator, what specifics should I look for? Things like 1R?? that means 1 row?? ok and what do i need to know before buying and installing a replacement (for less than $$200)?
For that price you'll be limited to radiators with plastic tanks. That'll last 4-5 years of normal use before they stress crack and start leaking, sooner if you have an overheating episode from some other issue. Single row is fine for general duty, but you want more if doing any towing bigger than say, a bass boat. I recently pulled one of these out of my truck. It was shot. Has three stress cracks right near the filler cap and would spew once the truck was shut off. And since it wouldn't hold pressure, the coolant was more easily boiled and lost. When I ordered it, I thought the price was great, but didn't know it had all the plastic. It'll do the job, but if I have any sort of choice, I won't have another one.
You would want to make sure that the new one has all of the correct fittings and cooling capacity of the old one. Things like air conditioning, heavy duty cooling or towing packages from factory need to be considered.
If you can`t find a part number stamped or stuck on the old one, go to your dealer to look up the correct part number for your VIN. Then go to a discount parts store or online store for the best price. RockAuto.com shows some for your truck in the $110 range.
If the hoses are original, I would replace them too as a safeguard.
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