Better Radiator?

[tommywass]

I'm replacing my radiator due to a leak. I was planning on just swapping in an OEM AC Delco replacement but figured I'd ask here first. I have a '97 K1500 Suburban and I tow a camper in the mountains. The truck runs cool when driving under normal everyday conditions. However, when towing in the mountains, it'll heat up quite a bit on extended uphill climbs. I really don't want to get an additional cooler but (since I'm replacing it anyway) I'm wondering if there's a better option than the OEM unit that could help.
Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[exp500]

1-800-radiator . Do you have a trans cooler?
Also when She is hot pull over and verify fan clutch is working.
A 6.5 diesel radiator may fit with light mods.

 

[1BADI5]

Yeah when I had my 99 Yukon I just went with an OEM replacement. Drama free install

 

[TheAutumnWind]

DO you have the 34" wide 2" thick radiator? I know that the 34x1" is common for the 5.7 1500s

This is the one I replaced my 28" 1" thick rad with. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...arch_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews

It is a factory replacement for an HD truck.

 

[tommywass]

1-800-radiator . Do you have a trans cooler?
Also when She is hot pull over and verify fan clutch is working.
A 6.5 diesel radiator may fit with light mods.

Thanks! I do not have a trans cooler.

 

[tommywass]

DO you have the 34" wide 2" thick radiator? I know that the 34x1" is common for the 5.7 1500s

This is the one I replaced my 28" 1" thick rad with. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...arch_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews

It is a factory replacement for an HD truck.

I'm pretty sure I have the 1" one. Did the thicker one bolt right in?

 

[exp500]

Add a trans cooler if you are towing! Plate style preferred. And no towing in OD! 4L60 is weak already, don't make it worse.

 

[tommywass]

Add a trans cooler if you are towing! Plate style preferred. And no towing in OD! 4L60 is weak already, don't make it worse.

Thank you for the advice!

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I'm pretty sure I have the 1" one. Did the thicker one bolt right in?

I started with the 28" so there was a little more work for me, but if you already have a 34" it just bolts right in. The end tanks and thus the mounts are identical. Just a thicker core

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Thank you for the advice!

tru cool 40k is likely the best bang for buck.

https://www.performancetrucks.net/f...vw-transmission-cooler-install-thread-470284/

But really anything would be an improvement. I ran a Hayden 679 on my old (nbs) Denali

https://www.amazon.com/Hayden-Autom...ocphy=9032188&hvtargid=pla-450735795993&psc=1

And installed an acdelco 89022577 on my nbs escalade because I got a great deal on one. IIRC this is oem replacement for an OBS 3500 truck. Should be a pretty easy install.
https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-89022577-Equipment-Automatic-Transmission/dp/B000C9TRWG

 

[TheAutumnWind]

My 28x1" rad compared to new 34x2"and a pic of it in the truck.
And a pic of the acdelco cooler on my escalade

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I'm pretty sure I have the 1" one. Did the thicker one bolt right in?

I'm sure there is am acdelco equivalent to the radiator I posted. Probably just have to cross reference part numbers.

Here is the one on the 454 trucks. There are some for the HD trucks that are 34x20x2ish that I believe may be too tall for the 1500 trucks. The one I installed is Height: 34-1/16 In.,Width: 17-1/4 In.,Thickness: 2-3/16

GM GENUINE 20905 {#52478818} Info
Trans. code 4L80-E; 4.10 Rear Axle Ratio (GT5), Engine Oil Cooling System (KC4), Heavy Duty Radiator & Transmission Oil Cooler (V02); CORE SIZE 34INX17 1/4INX2 1/8 IN CODE PW, L8,SP,PA,PB,PD,PX,NF,NJ,05, L2, L3, L4, L7,Transmission Oil Cooler; 4 Speed Automatic Trans.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...,7.4l+v8,1031308,cooling+system,radiator,2172