Radiator Recommendations?

[DrewKD88]

I need a new radiator. Truck is overheating when loaded down. I tow a small tear drop trailer too. It's roughly 3500lbs wet. 2 mechanics from different shops said to replace the radiator. I'm at around 95k in miles. Been considering the options below. Also, how hard is it to do myself? Should I just take it to a shop? I do not have a vacuum system to flush everything out btw. I'm leaning towards the Mountune option.

Mishimoto MMRAD-RGR-19
https://www.mishimoto.com/ford-rang...mQ7zvxnvOWP3wshWAhkJ7Zc8UNjbbt7xoCFlYQAvD_BwE

Mountune MP2530-12020-AA
https://mountuneusa.com/products/mo...i1dJ9rWefAobnIdV1eLAj4cR39ryRl898mUtX4dclLRRu

Ford KB3Z-8005-A
https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem...vPXJhbmdlciZ5PTIwMTkmdD14bCZlPTItM2wtbDQtZ2Fz

Sponsored

 

[COblue]

Are the radiator fins bent? Personally, I'd check that and change the coolant first, but I reckon both mechanics mentioned it for a reason.

 

[OGMix376]

Both mishimoto and mountune have been said to be good quality so it might just be how much money you want to spend…
Mishimoto spouts 70% more core volume, 50% more fluid volume, and I think 90% more efficient..
Mountune spouts 3x better cooling and desert tested..
both hold themselves in high regard.. however Mountune has a much more favorable price tag imo…
This choice would drive me nuts as I’m a fair believer in you get what you pay for.
I don’t have experience with either brand I’m just basing this on reading both of the links you posted…oem is oem so not much to talk about there.
Id probably be inclined for the mountune. since the price is a bit less and if it’s even a little better than oem, it would be a fairly good deal.
Mishimoto is almost 650 so that would make me deep dive to find out if the price tag vs product is worth it.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I need a new radiator. Truck is overheating when loaded down. I tow a small tear drop trailer too. It's roughly 3500lbs wet. 2 mechanics from different shops said to replace the radiator. I'm at around 95k in miles. Been considering the options below. Also, how hard is it to do myself? Should I just take it to a shop? I do not have a vacuum system to flush everything out btw. I'm leaning towards the Mountune option.

Mishimoto MMRAD-RGR-19
https://www.mishimoto.com/ford-rang...mQ7zvxnvOWP3wshWAhkJ7Zc8UNjbbt7xoCFlYQAvD_BwE

Mountune MP2530-12020-AA
https://mountuneusa.com/products/mo...i1dJ9rWefAobnIdV1eLAj4cR39ryRl898mUtX4dclLRRu

Ford KB3Z-8005-A
https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem...vPXJhbmdlciZ5PTIwMTkmdD14bCZlPTItM2wtbDQtZ2Fz

Right now, I think you're charting uncharted territory. I don't know of many who've done this. Mishimoto has good reviews from people who use their radiators and a buddy of mine used them exclusively for his race cars.

Edit: You don't need a vacuum setup to bleed the coolant, just get a bucket funnel and let the air burp out. Something like this.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

Also - have you checked the thermostat? Jumping right to radiator replacement is a bit wild.

 

[OGMix376]

I need a new radiator. Truck is overheating when loaded down. I tow a small tear drop trailer too. It's roughly 3500lbs wet. 2 mechanics from different shops said to replace the radiator. I'm at around 95k in miles. Been considering the options below. Also, how hard is it to do myself? Should I just take it to a shop? I do not have a vacuum system to flush everything out btw. I'm leaning towards the Mountune option.

Mishimoto MMRAD-RGR-19
https://www.mishimoto.com/ford-rang...mQ7zvxnvOWP3wshWAhkJ7Zc8UNjbbt7xoCFlYQAvD_BwE

Mountune MP2530-12020-AA
https://mountuneusa.com/products/mo...i1dJ9rWefAobnIdV1eLAj4cR39ryRl898mUtX4dclLRRu

Ford KB3Z-8005-A
https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem...vPXJhbmdlciZ5PTIwMTkmdD14bCZlPTItM2wtbDQtZ2Fz

Sorry for this Totally off topic question but what tear drop trailer you pulling.

 

[OGMix376]

Also - have you checked the thermostat? Jumping right to radiator replacement is a bit wild.

Hopefully at least one of the two mechanics he went to checked the thermostat prior to recommending a rad replacement.. but still worth checking.. because if it is just a thermostat.. well the op might want to shop around for a new mech?.

 

[Friday yet?]

Gotta say, scratching my head about the radiator replacement. That’s a new one around here. Normally folks are talking about the great job these trucks do with cooling.

Would love to know the root cause. Keep us posted please OP.

 

[DrewKD88]

Sorry for this Totally off topic question but what tear drop trailer you pulling.

I tow a Hiker Trailer EOR 5X9. My truck is peaking out from the left side.

 

[DrewKD88]

Are the radiator fins bent? Personally, I'd check that and change the coolant first, but I reckon both mechanics mentioned it for a reason.

I did a coolant flush at around 65K. Checked the thermostat at that time too. It was overheating so I wanted to try that first. It only overheats under heavy load, towing up a grade or climbing in triple digit heat, fully loaded with camping gear. Under normal circumstances it seems to run ok. But when I climb it goes into limp mode. I do get a warning first. I can typically get through it by letting off the gas, coasting, turning off the A/C and turning up the heater. I'd much rather it just work though!

I was told by friends and mechanics that it is 99% the radiator. Maybe something is clogged or the fins are damaged from all the offroading that I do. Not sure but I like running the A/C so a cooler running truck is a must!

 

[OGMix376]

I tow a Hiker Trailer EOR 5X9. My truck is peaking out from the left side.

Very nice rugged looking trailer.. from what I can see is you got a sweet looking rig back there too..
Maybe larger capacity and better efficiency rad would generally be a good investment on your set up.. I’m assuming you have a bit of the front end of the vehicle covered big bumper, lights, intercooler and stuff blocking the rad.. which could (marginally) reduce the water to air heat transfer… be nice if the mountune had a more detailed explanation of the difference from oem.. to easily compare the mishi and mount rads.. you may have found a limit for the stock cooling system with a combination of climate, towing, hauling, and family loaded up. Bigger rad is better I think in your situation… but I’m noobish when it comes to off road trucking and towing.. I come from the auto cross scene and bigger was better for cooling under heavy footed driving in hot places.

 

[Dereku]

Just go mishimoto for peace of mind. They are solid and been around forever. Chase the problem or just swap it out. Unless you have other issues that are more serious. Like failing water pump, or egr cooler that failed.

Are all fluids good looking and normal color? If so swap away.

 

[Dereku]

Oh does the fan still roar to life on cold starts? Could have failed.

 

[5thranger]

I need a new radiator. Truck is overheating when loaded down. I tow a small tear drop trailer too. It's roughly 3500lbs wet. 2 mechanics from different shops said to replace the radiator. I'm at around 95k in miles. Been considering the options below. Also, how hard is it to do myself? Should I just take it to a shop? I do not have a vacuum system to flush everything out btw. I'm leaning towards the Mountune option.

Mishimoto MMRAD-RGR-19
https://www.mishimoto.com/ford-rang...mQ7zvxnvOWP3wshWAhkJ7Zc8UNjbbt7xoCFlYQAvD_BwE

Mountune MP2530-12020-AA
https://mountuneusa.com/products/mo...i1dJ9rWefAobnIdV1eLAj4cR39ryRl898mUtX4dclLRRu

Ford KB3Z-8005-A
https://ford.oempartsonline.com/oem...vPXJhbmdlciZ5PTIwMTkmdD14bCZlPTItM2wtbDQtZ2Fz

All the guys on here that are towing and not having cooling problems I think there is something else causing your problem. I think you should start with cooling system drain and fill and add a bottle of water wetter made by Redline. While system is empty replace thermostat with a Ford thermostat. Make sure cooling fan is ok and that you don't have a busted hose going to it like so many on here.

 

[JohnnyO]

I was told by friends and mechanics that it is 99% the radiator. Maybe something is clogged or the fins are damaged from all the offroading that I do. Not sure but I like running the A/C so a cooler running truck is a must!

Try hosing the radiator out from the back side. I hit a big mud hole off-roading in my old Sport Trac once and it overheated on the way home, luckily we passed a quarter car wash and I used a heck of a lot of quarters getting the mud out of the radiator.

Sponsored