I have a 2001 4.8. Ill be putting in an LQ9 within a year and i was wondering if i had to swap the rad for a bigger one?

 

Never heard of anyone needing too. If I'm not mistaken, I believe they use the same radiator anyways.

 

I did my swap and put in the 34" from a 2500HD. has the oil cooler in it also that I hooked. My 5.3 came with the 27". I would reccomend doing it. Cooler would be better. Heat can kill an engine.

 

Was that a direct bolt in or did you have to fab anything up? That sounds like a good way to go for people with the smaller 27" rad.

 

Should be a direct fit, there are four outer mounting holes on rad support that are not used with the smaller radiator, This are the holes that the larger radiator use. if you get 05 fans they will bolt to the inner holes or the holes used to for the smaller radiators.

I have not done a rad swap yet but plan too. I'm pretty sure I'm right about the mounting holes, But I don't want to mis inform. I got my info by looking at my wifes 05 with fans and looking at my truck with the smaller radiator.
Could some-one say for sure?

 

The 34" radiator is a direct swap. I did this when I went to the Flex-A-Lite E-fans. There are inner and outer radiator mounting holes depending on the radiator's size.

Just a heads up if you will still be using the stock cooling fan with the 34" radiator, the fan shroud will not fit into the side support rests. No big deal really, it's still well supported on the top and bottom.

 

Awesome, good info guys

 

You will need another set of bolts if you install the 34" radiator shroud as the two outer nuts in the radiator support are the larger size. You will need to cut your black plastic/fiber guards to make the opening on the front match the new radiator size. Your hoses will flex the extra 2"'s and then you can hook up your soon to be purchased elect fans.....

Hope that helps.....

 

so do you have to replace the radiator? and how much does one cost? cause i'm bout to do a 6.0 swap

 

Need to.... if you do towing or create more heat due to HP YES... I found one in Austin brand new aftermarket for $250 with oil cooler and trans cooler installed....

If you do the swap atleast have the 29" rad flushed properly until you get the new 34" rad. Like it was said earlier, heat is death and you can not afford to do a swap twice due to your lack of funds the first time....