Need help replacing radiator

[kodiakisland]

I need a new radiator, but I'm not sure which one to order. I have a 91 Jimmy with a 350, AT, and AC. Dimension of the old radiator is 19 1/2 X 28 1/2 X 1 3/4.

The closest to this I can find is a vista-pro part #438716 or a Spectra Premium part #CU716. One has plastic tanks and one has brass tanks for $155 more.

I don't know anything about plastic tanks. Are plastic tanks the standard now? Reliability and durability of the plastic tanks?

Also, do I use the old AT cooler or do new radiators also come with the AT cooler? If there was a radiator shop anywhere near me, I would just go and have them order one, but haven't had much luck finding one.

Thanks

 

[Fordum]

Plastic tanks are standard now, but that does not mean they are the best. Whenever possible, I have replaced my plastic tank ones with brass.

Most of the plastic ones have aluminum cores, which will dissapate heat much better than copper and brass.
But are more prone to corrosion and the plastic often cracks or comes loose from the core.

If you plan on keeping the truck a good long time, go brass. If its a year or two from a trade-in, go with the cheaper plastic.

Also, most radiators that are for AT vehicles come with Transmission coolers.
But an external cooler is usually good anyway.

 

[Blue71Chevy]

A few years ago my cheap summit flex fan let go and punched a nice hole in my radiator. for the sake of making sure i had the right radiator I took it to a local radiator shop and had it re-cored. was cheaper than getting a new one and kept it all brass. took about 2 days to get it done but knowing it was going to fit and work no matter what was nice.