Hey everyone. Been awhile!
Anyways need a new rad for my pickup. Found a really nice 3 core all alluminum rad on eBay but the seller tells me it's for a 2wd. Anyone put a 2wd rad in their 4wd? I hear the 2wd is slightly larger but I'm not sure if its true.
I'd rather have the three core all aluminum 2wd rad not the single core 4wd spec rad.

Thanks

 

4x4s are bigger.
2wds are shorter because of the strut rod brackets that hide right under the radiator.

 

Is that the only difference? Do the 2wd radiators have the tranny/transfer case cooler lines?

 

i'm running a CSF all metal (copper/brass) 3 core radiator.

working great so far, about 4k mi on the swap.

i slotted the mount holes about half to three eighths inch because the cap is off center,
other than that it bolts right up.

 

I think the 2wd rads have the bottom hose connection moved slightly inward to clear part of the front suspension.

 

Why Aluminum??

I just took the Aluminum one out of my Tacoma to go with a copper and brass from Radiator Barn

went with the same one in my 3.4 swap by Wabbit!!

 

With the v8 swap plans comming into play soon I wanted to get a rad that would be capable of keeping the 1uz in check.

I am having a hard time finding a decent all alluminum rad for the 3.0 4wd for a reasonable price.

I suppose I will hold out for a 4wd spec rad

 

I would stay away from aluminum radiators for the street. Many Street Rodders are pulling their aluminum radiators out because of leaks, cracks, etc. I run copper / brass 4 core radiators in my truck, street rods and customs with Ford Taurus electric 2 speed fans and custom shrouds; I never have any problems with cooling or my A/C. If you are going racing or strictly show, then the aluminum radiators look good and will be okay for a number of years. You need to move a lot of air across any radiator and have a good coolant circulation / flow design.

 

Airflow is not an issue at all. Most of my rad is exposed in street mode.
Perhaps I will look into something else. I wanted something with good performance and durability.

 

One thing to consider if you are going to do any high speed or serious off roading is to install cushion type bushings on your radiator mounting points and where your radiator touches the front body frame. I have them installed on mine from when I use to race my truck.

 

That's a great idea. I will do that for sure.

Still unsure of radiator though. I should get one soon as the current one is held in with speaker wire and zip ties heheh