Radiator Choices

[fordguy]

I currently have a Champion, not my final choice. I don’t like the hose setup, thinking about using the crossover pipe and going with a non aluminum radiator like US radiator. I am running a stand alone trans cooler ( with auto fan). I was thinking I will get oil cooler regardless And carry enough extra hose to use if fan fails, just re-route to cooler. Too many choices for radiators, any I need to avoid at all costs?

 

[toddz69]

US Radiator is expensive but a very good product. I've used their products in the past - highly recommended.

Todd Z.

 

[904Bronco]

Lars has convinced me that I should run the cooling loop through the Rad (yet to be purchased) on my current build. My trans cooler has always been a stand alone, which going down the road, one well placed rock will take you out.
My only concern is that the Rad doesn't become a restrictive point with the 3/8" lines that the 4R70W uses...
US Rad, I have also been told is the best option, but not inexpensive.

 

[fordguy]

US Radiator is expensive but a very good product. I've used their products in the past - highly recommended.

Todd Z.

Brass or aluminum. Not going to be on any rocks.

 

[904Bronco]

Brass, when available is my choice.

 

[toddz69]

Brass, when available is my choice.

Ditto. I had 3 aluminums in a row that all had issues. Back to copper/brass and never looked back.

Todd Z.

 

[ntsqd]

I am convinced that aluminum can be made to work in an EB. I am equally convinced that I don't know how and I know that I am unwilling to spend the time to figure it out.

 

[SteveL]

Another brass fan here.

 

[fordguy]

Too many choices on US, guess I will call and talk to their tech line

 

[lars]

From US Radiator, the 3 row high efficiency will do the job just fine. Cools my 408 just fine in stopped traffic on a hot-ish day (88 degrees last Sunday). At speed barely reaches the 195° thermostat rating. I learned the hard (as in expensive) way that their 4 row was too much of a good thing. Apparently the fan couldn’t pull air through it. As an aside I’m using Explorer 5.0 front dress, Explorer metal fan, Wild Horses aluminum full circle shroud. In/out spigots in OEM Bronco location, metal crossover tube at bottom.

 

[DirtDonk]

I am convinced that aluminum can be made to work in an EB. I am equally convinced that I don't know how and I know that I am unwilling to spend the time to figure it out.

I think someday we’ll all end up running the V6 Explorer radiator with plastic side tanks!
Mounted in their rubber isolation donuts and all…

 

[fordguy]

I think someday we’ll all end up running the V6 Explorer radiator with plastic side tanks!
Mounted in their rubber isolation donuts and all…

You are probably right, but I want direct fit this time, ready to drive this thing.

 

[fordguy]

From US Radiator, the 3 row high efficiency will do the job just fine. Cools my 408 just fine in stopped traffic on a hot-ish day (88 degrees last Sunday). At speed barely reaches the 195° thermostat rating. I learned the hard (as in expensive) way that their 4 row was too much of a good thing. Apparently the fan couldn’t pull air through it. As an aside I’m using Explorer 5.0 front dress, Explorer metal fan, Wild Horses aluminum full circle shroud. In/out spigots in OEM Bronco location, metal crossover tube at bottom.

Thanks Lars, that saves me a call.

 

[fordguy]

From US Radiator, the 3 row high efficiency will do the job just fine. Cools my 408 just fine in stopped traffic on a hot-ish day (88 degrees last Sunday). At speed barely reaches the 195° thermostat rating. I learned the hard (as in expensive) way that their 4 row was too much of a good thing. Apparently the fan couldn’t pull air through it. As an aside I’m using Explorer 5.0 front dress, Explorer metal fan, Wild Horses aluminum full circle shroud. In/out spigots in OEM Bronco location, metal crossover tube at bottom.

is this the one https://usradiator.com/product/ford-bronco-1969-77-v8-302-radiator

 

[Kalex]

I have had Griffin, Champion, and a few others over all the years. Currently and since 2006 I have been using a 1 inch/1 row aluminum from rock auto (139 bucks)with plastic side tanks and no issues at all. Single electric fan. Matter of fact just installed a PWM controller and now even with the fan barely running I can't get above 187 or so. I am going to have to change my thermostat. I think I put a 180 in last time and will go back to a 192 or so. As we all know every Bronco is different and best I can tell is that if everything else in the system is working as it should then the radiator can do it's thing.

 

[lars]

is this the one https://usradiator.com/product/ford-bronco-1969-77-v8-302-radiator

That's the one. Choose high efficiency core, built-in trans cooler, 3 rows.

 

[SteveL]

That's the one. Choose high efficiency core, built-in trans cooler, 3 rows.

What's the price with a tranny cooler?

 

[LUBr LuvR]

What's the price with a tranny cooler?

 

[ksagis]

Anybody know what all the different options are, maybe its detailed on the website but haven’t poked around yet.

@lars , have you cut out your inner fenders?

 

[lars]

Anybody know what all the different options are, maybe its detailed on the website but haven’t poked around yet.

@lars , have you cut out your inner fenders?

I've cut a lot of (mostly) round holes in the inner fenders, mostly for access to stuff, but I've never cut them out. I do have a 1-3/8" (not a typo) body lift.

As I understand it, "high efficiency" in the case of US Radiator means higher fin count. Then there is single pass, multi pass, sirloin steak cooker, etc.