3 row radiator

[Rkb53]

Hello everyone. On my 08 trac with 4.6 engine I have the single row plastic tank radiator that I want to replace before problems start. I know I've read on here about 3 row heavy duty aluminum radiators that will work really well. The problem I'm having is finding those articles. If anyone can help me out with the name of the radiator and where to buy it, that would be great. Also, any problems installing this radiator ? I would like to know that too.
Thanks

 

[DILLARD000]

Aluminum Radiator For 2008 Sport Trac 4.6L

 

[OvalSports]

I bought an aluminum from Ebay after an emergency replacement with a plastic one.

 

[JohnPenny Peluso]

Hello everyone. On my 08 trac with 4.6 engine I have the single row plastic tank radiator that I want to replace before problems start. I know I've read on here about 3 row heavy duty aluminum radiators that will work really well. The problem I'm having is finding those articles. If anyone can help me out with the name of the radiator and where to buy it, that would be great. Also, any problems installing this radiator ? I would like to know that too.
Thanks

In my 07, I had to drain the A/C to swap out the radiator.

 

[Rkb53]

In my 07, I had to drain the A/C to swap out the radiator.

Interesting. Why??

 

[OvalSports]

I didn’t have that problem, it was an easy swap. However use the internal hex wrench when you drain the radiator; using a regular external wrench will rip the drain plug in half.
Also, I recommend flushing the system before replacing the the radiator and make sure to use Gold fluid not green, not yellow, and not orange. Using the “replaces all fluid” will lead to certain death.

 

[JohnPenny Peluso]

Interesting. Why??

It been many years, but I recall interference on the drivers side ac lines.

 

[JohnPenny Peluso]

It been many years, but I recall interference on the drivers side ac lines.

 

[Todd Z]

Just need a LONG extension for each side of the rad, and you unbolt the condenser. NO need to mess with the AC......

 

[JohnPenny Peluso]

Just need a LONG extension for each side of the rad, and you unbolt the condenser. NO need to mess with the AC......

I don't know about that todd. I recall the bolts down there. I recall the fan shroud or Radiator wouldn't clear the condenser lines because of dog ears on one of the two.
It was a build 1, so maybe something changed in build 2.
No matter, just injecting my experience.

 

[Todd Z]

Either way, I’ve done about 8-10 of them. Never discharged AC.

 

[Rkb53]

So Todd

What brand of radiator do you use when you do the install? Where do you get them from?

Thanks

 

[Todd Z]

Motorcraft from Rockauto or the better one from Advanced auto. Have not installed the all aluminum one yet in a gen 2. Did 4 in the Gen 1.

 

[Rkb53]

Thanks Todd. Who is Jane?

 

[Todd Z]

Effing auto correct. Fixed.

 

[DILLARD000]

Jane = Tarzans lady friend

 

[Dmiranda1269]

I didn’t have that problem, it was an easy swap. However use the internal hex wrench when you drain the radiator; using a regular external wrench will rip the drain plug in half.
Also, I recommend flushing the system before replacing the the radiator and make sure to use Gold fluid not green, not yellow, and not orange. Using the “replaces all fluid” will lead to certain death.

Used green when I did my 2010 flush