1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

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Old May 8, 2018 | 07:32 AM
  #1  
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From: Nevada Co., CA
Radiator

What radiator should I get? Online I see Spectra, kks, and mishimoto. On my original radiator I can gently run a finger across the fins in places they just crumble. No leaks yet. Not sure about having the original recored. In the past I've had the tanks split after a rebuild. I'm not opposed to redoing the original if you all have had good results.
thanks
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Old May 8, 2018 | 01:10 PM
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For what year truck?

Spectra is a no due to quality. KKS if you want a cheap, decent all aluminum radiator. Don't know what year models they're making them for. For 91.5-93 only, Mishimoto if you don't mind the higher price for an all aluminum radiator with a lifetime warranty as well as replacement due to an accident. Griffin also has one for the 91.5-93 but only carries a 2-year warranty. Not sure of their pricing.

If all of these fail, try Radiator Supply House. They're located in Oregon, I believe and I understand they're quite nice and can make custom heat exchangers.
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Old May 8, 2018 | 02:49 PM
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There was a thread on this not too long ago and I remember someone having quality fit issues with I think the Mishimoto?
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Old May 8, 2018 | 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by bigredbrick
What radiator should I get? Online I see Spectra, kks, and mishimoto. On my original radiator I can gently run a finger across the fins in places they just crumble. No leaks yet. Not sure about having the original recored. In the past I've had the tanks split after a rebuild. I'm not opposed to redoing the original if you all have had good results.
thanks
Well, living where the temps are hotter than hell, I guess metal fatigue is an issue.

I bet Oliver has a decent unit to sell ya, if yours can't be rebuilt. I've learned over the years that a good majority if aftermarket replacement parts are crap.

I would buy a stock radiator, and repair it, or if money wasn't an issue, I'd go with a

Be Cool made in USA rad.
https://becool.com/products/60016
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Old May 8, 2018 | 03:51 PM
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Make sure you call the company regarding application
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Old May 8, 2018 | 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by KRB
There was a thread on this not too long ago and I remember someone having quality fit issues with I think the Mishimoto?
I have one. The radiator is nice and will last a lifetime, but whoever welded on the bracket on the passenger side mis measured. I ended up having to make a radiator hold down. I am sure if I called them they would send another, but I really don’t see the. need after making that hold down.
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Old May 8, 2018 | 07:21 PM
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From: Nevada Co., CA
'93 with a slushbox. Money is always tight, but I want to do it once. Years ago I got a real nice brass/copper replacement for my 76 scout. Had a choice of cores, fit right, fair price, the company probably died during the depression.
im wondering about the intercooler! I haven't seen any of those.
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Old May 8, 2018 | 08:02 PM
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If I was able at the time I would ha e had my old rad repaired. Would hav per saved me a ton of money but I was a few days from moving across the country and it was below zero.
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Old May 8, 2018 | 08:29 PM
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When I converted my 90 to IC, I got a radiator from AutoZone. All copper, maybe Spectra?, its over 8 years old with no issues.
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Old May 9, 2018 | 12:30 PM
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From: Looneyville, West Virginia
I bought an aluminum Liland Global radiator. Chinese made but it fit right in with no issues and has been fine for over 8 months now. I forget where I bought it from but it was only about $200. Their part # 1198AA.
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Old May 22, 2018 | 09:52 PM
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I have a Mishimoto. It has kept the truck cool through some pretty tough pulls. This is the second one. The first one had the top mounts a bit off, and I compressed the mounts pretty tight. It developed a leak after a year or two. Mishimoto warranteed it and sent me a new one. I shimmed that one so it wouldn't have that problem.

Second one must be 3-4 years old now, and it has developed a small leak. I think it's just a tank seam, so rather than pay the $100 handling fee, I'l just have one of the world class welders at the tank shop tig it for me. While I'm at it I think I'll repair the first one and have a spare.

For the kind of money they cost, this seems like a bit much in the trouble department.
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Old May 23, 2018 | 02:17 PM
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When I had my OEM one cleaned at the rad shop. The guys said aluminum radiators are more prone to cracking because they are so rigid.
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Old May 24, 2018 | 11:02 AM
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I'm using the OEM 1993 in the 73 at the moment but I had a spare one cleaned at Sacramento radiator services and it is sitting in the attic for some undisclosed time in the future. I have bought new ones in the past, spendy but didn't have any issues, I believe it was the spectra from rock auto.
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Old May 26, 2018 | 12:30 AM
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From: Nevada Co., CA
Originally Posted by j_martin
I have a Mishimoto. It has kept the truck cool through some pretty tough pulls. This is the second one. The first one had the top mounts a bit off, and I compressed the mounts pretty tight. It developed a leak after a year or two. Mishimoto warranteed it and sent me a new one. I shimmed that one so it wouldn't have that problem.

Second one must be 3-4 years old now, and it has developed a small leak. I think it's just a tank seam, so rather than pay the $100 handling fee, I'l just have one of the world class welders at the tank shop tig it for me. While I'm at it I think I'll repair the first one and have a spare.

For the kind of money they cost, this seems like a bit much in the trouble department.
This isn't very reassuring since I have one waiting to go in once I get the Bleep back on the road! Nice to hear they honor their warranty but I'd rather not use it. I'll definitely hang onto the original.
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