Radiator replacement

[Sdp1234]

Towing today with my 2004 Denali xl 6.0. Radiator is leaking bad. Had it towed home. A radiator replacement is now required when I return from camping. Should I go with an upgraded radiator while I’m at it? Recommendations?

 

[Mudsport96]

Pretty sure the 6.0 trucks/suv had the largest radiator available. I would probably go back with a gm replacement radiator

 

[Byoung1330]

I would get a new transcooler while your at it. I been looking at getting one for mine. The true cool transcooler look to be very good. An since your towing it will definitely extend the life of your tranny

 

[Sdp1234]

Thanks guys. I have an aftermarket cooler but not the true cool. Thinking of bypassing the radiator with the trans cooler so I’m not adding the engine heat to the trans. Do the Denali’s have the oil running through the radiator?

 

[bill1013]

If you've got the time & money I'd go with the completely metal radiator. The high impact plastic ones always crack along the seam.

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks guys. I have an aftermarket cooler but not the true cool. Thinking of bypassing the radiator with the trans cooler so I’m not adding the engine heat to the trans. Do the Denali’s have the oil running through the radiator?

I would not do that. In winter the fluid going into the radiator tanks helps bring up the temperature making it more efficient.

Would go stock or Mishimoto and there's another good one someone recently bought and liked... can't remember.

 

[Sdp1234]

Swathdriver. Thanks I’ll take that into consideration

 

[Sparksalot]

I would not do that. In winter the fluid going into the radiator tanks helps bring up the temperature making it more efficient.

Would go stock or Mishimoto and there's another good one someone recently bought and liked... can't remember.

I bought a Coldcase all aluminum radiator for thecopcar. It looks like it’s a fit for the NBS Hoes as well.

99-12 GM Truck w/ Oil Cooler Aluminum Performance Radiator

www.coldcaseradiators.com

 

[swathdiver]

I bought a Coldcase all aluminum radiator for thecopcar. It looks like it’s a fit for the NBS Hoes as well.

99-12 GM Truck w/ Oil Cooler Aluminum Performance Radiator

www.coldcaseradiators.com

That's the one, thanks!

Is it's performance on par with the original OE radiator or does it exceed it?

 

[Dantheman1540]

My cold case is really nice I would absolutely buy it again.

 

[Sparksalot]

That's the one, thanks!

Is it's performance on par with the original OE radiator or does it exceed it?

It’s running about 10 degrees cooler with no other changes. The larger tanks definitely hold more coolant too.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Thanks guys. I have an aftermarket cooler but not the true cool. Thinking of bypassing the radiator with the trans cooler so I’m not adding the engine heat to the trans. Do the Denali’s have the oil running through the radiator?

for what it's worth:

the trans passthrough for the radiator is on the 'cool side'

It basically provides thermal resistance. If it's cold, it'll add heat. If it's hot, it'll take heat away. helps to keep it in a narrower operating temp.

If you live somewhere that gets cold, bypassing this would be a bad idea. Trans will always run cold. PCM won't command torque converter lockup until the trans is over 75f. Cool is good. Cold is not.

I kept my radiator passthrough when I put the tru cool in it. Trans temps stay pretty narrowly in the 95-130 range, barring weather extremes (it was at like 140 when it was 115 degrees out)

 

[Sdp1234]

My radiator came in from Radiator Express. I expected it to be 1 1/16 thick but it is only 15/16. Called them to check and he said it is as good as the original based on ISO specs. I typically think details matter but he said they are required to be as good as original. Thoughts? Am I being too picky or is he blowing smoke?

Thanks

 

[Doubeleive]

My radiator came in from Radiator Express. I expected it to be 1 1/16 thick but it is only 15/16. Called them to check and he said it is as good as the original based on ISO specs. I typically think details matter but he said they are required to be as good as original. Thoughts? Am I being too picky or is he blowing smoke?

Thanks

it will work if you drive like a normal person and it doesn't get inherently hot where you live, if you tow often and in the summer it may not be the best option
the thing is radiators will fit 00-14, but nealry all are not marketed as such becuase of things like engine oil cooler or trans cooler options, etc
if you are not in a hurry poke around online, the mishimoto and cold case have already been mentioned but if those are too much money you can get a 1 1/8 from 1-800-radiator
just look it up as a 2012 yukon denali they run around $250 with lifetime warranty
I used to have a 2 row in my 00 but I don't remember what brand it was
if you find a good one and it says it fits anything (gmt800/gmt900) from 00-14 and it has the optional coolers needed then grab it, just be sure it is a 34" they do make smaller ones, if yours is not a 34" already and you do not have electric fans all you would need to change is the fan shroud.

 

[MassHoe04]

it will work if you drive like a normal person and it doesn't get inherently hot where you live, if you tow often and in the summer it may not be the best option
the thing is radiators will fit 00-14, but nealry all are not marketed as such becuase of things like engine oil cooler or trans cooler options, etc
if you are not in a hurry poke around online, the mishimoto and cold case have already been mentioned but if those are too much money you can get a 1 1/8 from 1-800-radiator
just look it up as a 2012 yukon denali they run around $250 with lifetime warranty
I used to have a 2 row in my 00 but I don't remember what brand it was
if you find a good one and it says it fits anything (gmt800/gmt900) from 00-14 and it has the optional coolers needed then grab it, just be sure it is a 34" they do make smaller ones, if yours is not a 34" already and you do not have electric fans all you would need to change is the fan shroud.

Thanks for making a lower-budget recommendation! I may need it someday in the future.

 

[Sdp1234]

Next Problem...
I can't find the GM or AC Delco Tstat anywhere in stock. are there other brands (NAPA or others) that are safe or am I safer putting the old one in?

 

[Mudsport96]

It’s running about 10 degrees cooler with no other changes. The larger tanks definitely hold more coolant too.

Does it have the restriction in the fitting back to the overflow tank like factory?

 

[Sparksalot]

Does it have the restriction in the fitting back to the overflow tank like factory?

No it doesn't. I cut the nipple out of the old tank, and slipped it into the return hose to keep the restrictor.

 

[Mudsport96]

No it doesn't. I cut the nipple out of the old tank, and slipped it into the return hose to keep the restrictor.

Gotcha. I used. 45 ACP casing with the primer removed on the Silverado. Worked like a charm lol.

 

[Sdp1234]

I finished the project. Tstat and housing was readily available at the dealer. Didn't think of that because I typically refuse to get anything at a dealer.

If you are even considering this job... go for it, it's one of the easiest repairs.

I stuck with the radiator I was sold as the OEM replacement. They wrote me an email that promises to warranty return the unit toward an upgrade if I have any overheating issues over the next year.

I didn't really want to wait and also deal out the extra cash. Seemed fair to me.

Thanks everyone for your help