What is an inexpensive radiator replacement for my 97 classic with a Detroit

I'm also considering replacing the radiator before this summer, I've been searching and found these options on ebay..., or you can just replace the core with both tank gaskets.

Freightliner FLD Classic Radiator "MADE IN USA" | eBay

Freightliner Classic Radiator With Surge Tank | eBay

 

I've had good luck with detroit radiator.

Edit to add: and i wouldn't even consider an aluminum radiator.

 

second that. they make better and better radiators.

 

Radiator works in Wyandotte Mi.They have always done me right best prices too.Also a/c condensor and. air to air coolers I bought last air to air from The place in Chicago that advertises lifetime warranty and claims to be the manufacturer can’t think of their name however they wanted me to return product and send it out to get warranty meanwhile trying to hard sell me a new one.I called Radiator works ranand actually bought a Chinese made with a 2 or 3 yr warranty for about $350 instead of their American made lifetime air to air cooler for about $600.The Chinese one is still holding after about 5 yrs.Ive been planning on buying a new radiator from them for a while now, biggest problem is installation Dealers gonna charge$2000 plus labor Radiator works about $1000 for rad and about $1200 complete with tank and most importantly they stand behind their Product and treat you like you own a fleet of trucks and understand sometimes money’s tight.Great service and family run business.I called Detroit Radiator who always had a great history and reputation as Father and son business that manufactures their own products however was told it would be 2 months wait as they order them only so often. I couldn’t believe it, just a note make sure your airflow to your radiator is clear don’t know how many times I’ve seen new radiator and oh also new air to air when that was the real problem to begin with best thing take air to air cooler and maybe even a/c condensor off leaving lines hooked up and clean with brake clean or whatever and air hose blowing brom back side and be careful with power washers they easily bend cooling fins I flushed my radiator with rust remover from harbor freight $20 gallon a few times and it worked bought some time 3 yrs now it didn’t hurt the aluminum at all.Not really recommending you do that as I would hate to see it cause a pinhole in sleeve or something I flushed mine a few times running down the road and flushed many times with water. But you could Isolate the radiator and try that stuff.They actually sell a radiator flush same brand and my guess same product even have Kevin Rutherford endorsing it made just for radiators for about 4 times the price as the stuff at harbor freight. At the time I had nothing to lose as I had picked up a heavy load and running hot I remembered I had a half gallon under bunk read the label won’t hurt aluminum and #### if it didn’t work I definately need a new one as mine is original 2001!!! Good luck check it out if your rad isn’t all rotten on outside clean it good comb the fins with a radiator come very cheap to buy

 

LKQ bought Radiator works about a year ago.

 

Why not? After replacing copper/brass radiators through Mack every few months (usually under warranty) after soldering up various cracks to try to prolong their life, I ordered an all aluminum radiator from CG&J in Alabama and installed it myself. It's been several years now and no problems.

 

Something is causing your radiators to crack. Either something in the truck such as loose engine mounts, or the build quality of the radiator.
I don't like aluminum radiators because aluminum is much more prone to corrosion issues.

 

Not sure what effect that would have on a radiator, seeing as how it is isolated from the engine with rubber hoses and such...

...but nothing changed, other than the radiators. Copper/brass simply were not holding up. Use the red antifreeze and make sure you have a ground strap and it solves most of the corrosion issues.

 

Id take a guess that it was the quality of that brand radiator. Copper/brass radiators have been used successfully for over 60 years.