Core support, radiator, fan shroud assembly help please

[84GMC15tepside]

Hey everyone, I am putting this assembly together and have a couple of questions... I have a quad headlight core support out of a 6.2 suburban, a blazer v8 fan shroud, and a single row 6cyl radiator. The radiator is new from napa and I am planning on using it temporarily (I got it as a replacement for my original inline 6 radiator, but did a v8 swap before using it).

I have the mounting brackets from the original 6cyl radiator when it was mounted to the original core support. Pic:


From what I have read on the forum, you can't mix mounting brackets and fan shrouds from 6 and 8cyl trucks. Is this true?

That would mean an inline fan shroud OR a v8 radiator would need to be purchased... I would opt for the v8 radiator with v8 mounting brackets of course.


I placed my core support on the truck with the v8 fan shroud in its proper location. It looked PERFECT with half the fan in and half the fan out of the shroud... would a v8 radiator push the shroud more towards the engine?

[84GMC15tepside]

Here is how the fan shroud looks mocked up to the core support. Half the fan in/out... It's a keeper.


Here is the radiator:



The radiator seems to fit well on both sides. It sits nicely in those slots where the rubber pads would be.



My thumb points to where one of the radiator mounting brackets goes.



I mocked up a bracket there, and if I were to bolt into the radiator, the bolts would go into the fins. There doesn't appear to be a location for bolts to go in on the radiator either... I did not take pictures when taking out the original 6cyl radiator so I am not sure if this is a completely different design.


Asking about all of this because I need to order those rubber pads and other parts specific to the radiator. I am trying to do things right than throwing it all together. I am thinking that I should just get a a v8 radiator and curb this confusion.

[jetmech85]

The brackets that fit that radiator are not going to work with that shroud. If I understand what you are asking it would be better to obtain a taller radiator than to try to find or buy new a short shroud (IMHO). They did make a short V-8 shroud but not sure if it is the same as a six cyl. shroud. If you were nearby I would give you one and brackets and copper/brass radiator.

[KrazyRay]

The radiator is not bolted in. There are mounting brackets with rubber bushings that clamp the radiator in place. There are several different combinations for our 73-87 trucks and you need the radiator, radiator mounts, and fan shroud to be compatible with each other. And also work with your engine type. Big blocks, 6 cylinders, and diesels have some specific parts.

[84GMC15tepside]

Originally Posted by jetmech85

The brackets that fit that radiator are not going to work with that shroud. If I understand what you are asking it would be better to obtain a taller radiator than to try to find or buy new a short shroud (IMHO). They did make a short V-8 shroud but not sure if it is the same as a six cyl. shroud. If you were nearby I would give you one and brackets and copper/brass radiator.

Originally Posted by KrazyRay

The radiator is not bolted in. There are mounting brackets with rubber bushings that clamp the radiator in place. There are several different combinations for our 73-87 trucks and you need the radiator, radiator mounts, and fan shroud to be compatible with each other. And also work with your engine type. Big blocks, 6 cylinders, and diesels have some specific parts.

Okay thank you very much for the info. I will get a v8 radiator... I think I'll feel more safe with it anyways.

[84GMC15tepside]

*Edit*

I looked at the LMC magazine and they have listed a 1 row radiator for a v8.



The radiator I have is most comparable to P/N 32-2945. I rechecked my measurements and the only difference is my height: 18-3/8", not 19". Width and depth are the same as LMC at 28-1/4" and 1-1/4", respectively. I will buy the v8 mounting brackets and if the radiator doesn't fit, I will get a bigger one. If it does fit, I will try it out and see if it can keep up with the v8.

[jetmech85]

My '85 V-8 radiator has brackets that bolt into the holes by your thumb and the shroud bolts to them. The back of the fan is flush with the back of the shroud making the fan entirely within the shroud. Ironically my SPID calls this a heavy duty cooling system. I don't think I have ever seen a smaller radiator on one of these trucks with air conditioning.

[84GMC15tepside]

Originally Posted by jetmech85

My '85 V-8 radiator has brackets that bolt into the holes by your thumb and the shroud bolts to them. The back of the fan is flush with the back of the shroud making the fan entirely within the shroud. Ironically my SPID calls this a heavy duty cooling system. I don't think I have ever seen a smaller radiator on one of these trucks with air conditioning.

Just to be clear, are you talking about the holes on either side of my thumb or below my thumb? My 6cyl brackets go below my thumb I believe. If anyone has pics of a v8 radiator/core support/shroud mounting setup that would be helpful!

My truck is not ac, got that ac fan shroud at a swap meet and don't think it will be a problem running it. I read on the forum that it is good to have the fan half in/out so I am basing it on that.

[jetmech85]

The two holes to the driver side of your thumb. They have nuts made into the core support for bolts with a 1/2 inch hex head. (5/16" threads). For most or at least many V-8 taller radiator mounts go in the threaded holes where your fingers are. They go down into the core support and use a flatter radiator mount. I don't think there is a problem with your fan half in and half out just saying how mine is and it is all factory original. I'm going to change my short radiator for the taller set up before I make it a daily driver. I can e-mail pics but haven't figured out how to post here. Some of that is my limited knowledge but mainly my old computer and new iphone don't like each other.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

Let me know: http://www.speedcooling.com/Radiator...r/prod_39.html

[mcmlxix]

What ever happened with this? I need to figure out my mounting. I need 4 mounting pads but do the two lower pads need a bracket? How do they stay in place? Are there individual brackets? Is it just the top plate that holds the radiator in place with two rubber mounts?

[84GMC15tepside]

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

What ever happened with this? I need to figure out my mounting. I need 4 mounting pads but do the two lower pads need a bracket? How do they stay in place? Are there individual brackets? Is it just the top plate that holds the radiator in place with two rubber mounts?

Lower pads do not need brackets, they mount directly into the core support. They stay in place by the force that the top mount brackets/pads put on the radiator and subsequently the force goes to the lower pads which holds them in place. The radiator is sandwiched together between the top and bottom mounting pads which are held in their locations with the top mounting brackets and core support, respectively.

I'll try to remember to get a picture the next time I am home. 6 cylinder radiator, V8 fan shroud, 350 V8 engine. I used LMC to get what I needed.



Purchase list (81-87 truck):
#9 support pads 32-0976 (x2) and 32-0973 (x2)

TOP side of Radiator
#10 brackets to hold the 6 cylinder radiator
#11 brackets to hold the V8 fan shroud
#12 fastener (x8)
#13 fastener (x4)
#14 U-nut (x4)

BOTTOM side of radiator
#7 fastener (x2)
#8 U-nut (x2)

You have to trim the fan shroud a little bit to slid over the #10 brackets so it can mount on the #11 brackets (I used a hack saw to cut rectangular notches). I'll get pictures to show. I am pretty picky and it looks good IMO. Let me know if you need anything else.