Anyone know if there is a larger ALL aluminum radiator available for 3rd gens?

 

not that I know of, why do you want a larger one?

just curious

 

I'm just one of those BIGGER IS BETTER guys

Seriously though, i was pulling my 5er home a few days ago through the 106* desert and i noticed the temp gauge going slightly over the half way mark. I realize that is in no way getting HOT but i was driving really easy. If i did push it a little hard, say 3/4 to full throttle it would climb more.

All that being said i was able to climb the Sherwin grade going up to mammoth ca. at 55 mph and the temp gauge was only a needle width over half way. The outside temp was around 70*.

I should add, this was with a smarty set to sw3.

 

Thats where the 3rd gens HAVE TO RUN... About the 205-210 mark when pulling in hot weather. My 04,06, and 07 all run exactly the same. SOmething about the 3rd injection event needing the extra heat. I would hope the engineers knew whats best for the engines.. LOLOL

 

your fan working OK? coolant level?

 

Forgot to add that there is a great product called "Purple Ice" by royal purple. It will lower your around town temps and cool your system QUICKER after a pull and while pulling.. WOrks great in my 07

 

My truck runs about the same temp wise, not to worry, I've been told it's normal. Thermostat opens at roughly 190*-195* I believe. Lots of room left to climb to the worry point. I have pulled 12-14K up really steep grades, in high temps-110*+, and high altitudes-10-11K here in NM - Rocly Mountains - etc and have only seen 3-4 needle widths above the center line of the temp gauge max. EGT's can be another story. I have a Smarty running on the #3.

I have NO experience with your 2003 year truck. Maybe someone here will chime in with year model info that is more specific to you. I also have not seen any ads for bigger radiators, but then, they may exist. You could try a site search here on radiators to find out if there is any info.

CD

 

I'm pretty sure either Be-Cool or Griffin makes a radiator to fit (seem to remember buying one of them for the '98 a few years back), but I don't see the benefit unless the one you have is cracked/leaking... the cooling systems on these CTDs are seriously overbuilt for 90% of their workload.

 

Fan is working fine and i just changed the coolant and added some water wetter.

Where on the gauge should i hear the fan come on? 3/4 or more?

 

Sure - probably ~ 230*F if it was demarcated and calibrated properly.

 

When my fan shroud rubbed a hole in my 04 i could not find a replacement RAD in the aftermarket. i got one from the dealer after attempting to get mine fixed at local rad shop.

This was 18 mons ago though. I did try very hard to find one had two or three diff rad shops calling thier suppliers with no luck.

 

i know its a 3rd gen but i had one made for my 02 a thicker core and it ran around $800- $850 so be sure the bigger is better is cost worthy also. i could of just stayed stock for less than 1/2

 

Griffin radiator will build you any size/shape rad you want...but get your pocket book out!!!

 

If you were to switch to an electric fan setup like flexalite has for the 2nd gens maybe an aftermarket would be necessary to get back what you loose.