is the radiator that is used in my 06 rscb 5.3 the same one thats in a larger truck, like a 2500hd with a 6.0? reason being as i do a lot of towing and was looking for an upgrade and was thinking of just getting a radiator off of a bigger truck, one that' is more heavy duty than mine. im just looking for a direct swap, let me know what you guys know about the differences in radiators between trucks.

 

I don't think so since the HDS use a different frame that may require cutting to make fit, but get a tape measure to verify. You would probily need a thinner fan blad spacer to keep the fan out of the motor too or just go to E-fans.

If the HD radiator is too much for your truck you could look into getting a custom radiator that is thicker or possabliy modify the stock one.

I had one built or customized for a 540 Big Block I put into a 70 Nova. He took a 72 Cadillac radiator and trimmed it to fit barely into the space I had to use. Plus he increased the core capacity a bit with some core product he had. None the less it worked, and the motor never got above 180*.

 

The 6.0L radiators are like 2" wider. 32" vs 34" IIRC. They are inter-changable if you get the 6.0l shroud.

 

Didnt 05 and up have efans that require the larger radiator? If you have efans stock,being an 06, then you already have the bigger radiator.

 

Same radiator, 2wd, 4wd or 1500HD, 2500, doesn't matter. 4.8-6.0L all the same in '06. The only two radiators offered were the 34 x 17.25 x 1.0625 single row for the automatics with a transmission cooler on the passenger side and an engine oil cooler on the driver side, and the 34 x 17.25 x 1.0625 single row for the 6.0L/manual trans with only an oil cooler.

 

ok so anyone know of a company that makes an aftermarket 2 or 3 row radiator that will bolt in?

 

Well if you do a lot of towing why not put a bigger trans cooler in instead. Not sure if and where to get a bigger radiator though.

 

well i already put on a tru-cool 40k gvw cooler, i dont think i can get a bigger one... trans stays cool but engine gets warm

 

youve got the trans cooler covered...you ever think about getting a different thermostat?

 

i was thinking of that, but if the radiator cant cool the engine, it doesnt really matter what degree t-stat i have, right? it does seem though that it takes a while for the fans to kick on and usually by that time its hot... can the computer be tuned to have the fans kick on sooner? or maybe have the fans come on full time when i put it in tow haul mode?