I have sent my engine off to a machine shop to have the long block rebuilt. When I was pulling the engine I noticed that the radiator was in pretty rough shape and pretty beat up. What would you recommend to replace it with? It is a 302.

 

Check out either Rock Auto or Amazon. There's many to choose from.

 

If what you have is original, I would keep it over any cheap aftermarket radiator.

 

Is it leaking coolant? Is it substantially blocked (either on the coolant side OR air side)? If not, it doesn't need to be replaced. Just find & fix the CAUSE of it being rough & beat-up. I add screen to all my trucks.



On the air intake, too.

(click this text)

This is what I put in 3 of mine, and a few others. But only when there was a specific reason (coolant leaks).

 

I cannot confirm any leaks however, the fins on one side are almost completely pushed over. I have never taken the radiator out so I did not notice it. It is all on the front side of the radiator.

 

That's usually a result of someone attempting to pressure-wash mud out of the radiator. But it usually happens to the condenser, since it's in front. Is yours folded behind the condenser, or is the truck non-A/C?

If the engine isn't running hot (enough to blow steam out of the cap), then it's probably NOT worth worrying about yet.