Convert to 4 core Radiator, What's Involved?

[Ironhorse]

One thing leads to another on these old trucks. My current radiator I pulled during the std. to auto swap is in bad shape. I have a good original 4 core I had put back for a "later date" which I guess is now. Besides the obvious mount differances what else is involved? I have the upper mounts/rubbers and a spare pair of upper mounts/rubbers which I plan on removing just the saddle portion from the actual mount and bolt the saddle in place for the lower mount. Any issues with the shroud mounting or the radiator support needing mods? Radiator lower shroud clips differant? Should mention this is on my '71 4x4. Sitting at home right now, truck is at the shop and radiator is being pressure & leak tested and repaired as needed so can't make any real dry fit observations right now. Any and all help appreciated.

[Stocker]

My 4-row was a direct replacement. Only thing that changed was it took more coolant.

[Ironhorse]

Did you have to change your upper support mounts and possibly the lower support mounts because of the wider radiator? Any shroud fitment problems, 2wd or 4wd, mine is '71 4x4 with 350 v-8.

[Stocker]

I've read where some guys have to change the mounts when switching to a 4-row, but I didn't have to change a thing, the tanks are the same size. I called first to make sure it would be an exact fit, and it was. '72 K20 350/350 with factory shroud.

I just checked my receipt... bought it 8 years ago from Auto Radiator Outlet in San Leandro, CA (800-252-0333). At the time, it was $199 shipped to my door.

[PanelDeland]

The lower mounts from my 2 row were closer together than the 4 row replacement.The top bolt holes are there.Line them up and look.If they line up top and bottom .and the 4 row rubbers fit you're good to go.If not the lower mounts are available thru BB vendors and take just a bit of clearancing and bolt in.You'll need to remove the old ones.The big question to figure it out is,"What radiator are you replacing?"This was on a 2wd but should be the same.I have a 250 and the shroud (really just a finger guard) is the same for all of them.

[gotchamel]

I just did this project.I did have to change out upper/lower mounts and rubbers.The new lower mounts had to be thrubolted,factory were rivets.A small amount of grinding on the core support was needed to accept the new mounts.This was a 2wd c10,that may be the difference.Shroud was good to go after making some 1/2"spacers.

[da-burb]

You will need 4 core mounts like in the picture.
You will need to bend the lip downward on the radiator support just below the lower radiator brackets to make room for the wider brackets.
You shouldn't need to change anything on the fan shroud unless your replacement radiator's top and bottom steel cross braces are built different than your old rad. The old shrouds nested into the top and bottom cross brace of the radiator. You can space it out with a nut or you can do what I just did. I cut that lip off the shroud using my table saw.

[Ironhorse]

Thanks for the replies and the info. Sounds like it may be a pretty much straight forward R&R. As I said, I have two sets of upper mounts with good rubbers for all four so my thoughts are to remove the two saddle portions from one set and bolt them to the lower rad. support as needed. Now just have to wait until I get the 4 core back from the radiator shop. Hope that is not to far off, like to get this portion done.