i have posted before about this. looks like going to install 2nd gen rad and intercooler in my 92. now i have the intercooler already. in serching for a rad i see two and 3 core available for the 2nd gen trucks. can anyone tell me if stock for that year was 2 or 3 row? also any suggestions as to what may be the best rad as far as reliability and cooling goes? cold case make a big 2 core all aluminium they claim cools very well? 2nd gen is quite a bit bigger but is also aluminium vs cooper which diiapates heat better. thanks for any info

 

I'm thinking my 92 IC rad is a 3 core. But it's dark out right now... I'll check when I head out here in a bit but probably can't reply back until tomorrow morning though.

 

Mine is 3.

 

I suggest comparing the actual core thickness (not the tank/header width). I struggle to think there are std/nominal tube sizes/rows any longer.

I also have a 2ndgen rad and IC for mockup. I'm not liking the hackwork it would take to fit an IC rad support. Its going into a gas rad support instead.

 

so my neighbour brought over a damaged 2ndgen rad i can use for mock-up. i notice it looks like cores are almost i inch there are two rows. i so will compare tomorrow 1rst gen to 2nd gen. i suspect for any given dimension the 2nd gen rad will hold more fluid, never mind bieng a bigger rad in size. so those that have done this swap have you noticed a difference in cooling? and to what extent , a little none, or quite a difference? would like to hear from you thanks. i havent looked at the gas rad support as to how it would work for the swap?

 

I have a manual trans, so I don't have a cooling issue. I do want the bigger intercooler.

The gas vs intercooled rad supports have the vertical stiffeners in different places. The 2ndgen IC in/outlet land right on the intercooled stiffeners, whereas it reaches around them on the gas (and non-intercooled). The IC supports are a desireable item that i don't want to hack up.

My plan is to use the whole 2ndgen support 'hoop' and weld it into the 1stgen rad support. Then the IC and rad are bolt-in.

 

i have an 85 gas rad support will check it out. thanks. i would to like to get a second gen rad support, and check it that may be a better option in the end. havent done any cutting yet.