Quote from: Potatochip P30 on March 13, 2023, 01:09 AMI know it's an old thread but this may help someone out later.
I got rid of at least 50 pounds of weight getting rid of that brass boat anchor radiator, upper/lower mounting brackets,shrouds and fan clutch. Used a 3 row aluminum radiator for the 1999-2012 Sierra,Yukon, Silverado series and the double electric fan setup from any of those vehicles that had the HD towing package. The core is HUGE in width ( 40") compared to the original radiator but it only takes minor fabricating of angle aluminum and a couple of 3x3 box sections 3-4 inches long and no welding. You will be mounting it way further fwd resting on the front frame crossbeam
A 200 degree on/185 off temp switch controls one fan and the second switch is 210/195 for the second fan... it never comes on.
I also can literally poke my head up thru the bottom and change the belt, water pump or access anything on the front of the motor without removing.
Underway the fan never comes on and will maintain 190- 195 and with the fans on manual it will get to 180 where the thermostat keeps it there.
Well worth the hassle of installing and about $500 total in parts- sweat equity not included. You probably cannot even get the brass one repaired under that price plus you can go to any parts store and buy an OEM replacement radiator for $200 out on the road.
Rick is spot on about the fans - the best single fan setup is the 2 speed late 80's - 95 3.8 Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable units and they outperform just about all the aftermarket ones almost like 4600 cfm. It was the only fan that could keep my pro street Vega under 220 in Florida summer stop and go traffic.