2005 Z71 radiator replacement recommendation

[Bocephous]

I just joined this forum a short while ago and left an intro in the introduction section. I'd like to replace the (as far as I know) original radiator in my '05 Z71 5.3L to prevent future problems. 242,000 miles on the motor and it runs great, but the Tahoe is our back-up vehicle, not a daily driver. The previous owner, a good friend, performed a lot of work on this as he had meant to keep it but plans changed. I'll provide a list of what he performed. What are your recommendations for a new radiator?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

The original (?) OEM radiator lasted for 242,000 miles, so why not replace it with the same radiator? You can get good reduced pricing at RockAuto.com and at GMPartsDirect.com.

 

[Marky Dissod]

The original (?) OEM radiator lasted for 242,000 miles, so why not replace it with the same radiator?

20 years ago, things were manufactured to a higher standard, especially for brand new vehicles.
I HOPE OE for a 20 year old vehicle still means what it did 20 years ago, but I am not an optimist.
When you are doing maintenance replacements, it's ok to upgrade, if the price is right.

While you're there, very seriously consider replacing the rear HVAC coolant Y & T connectors.
Even if you feel froggy enough to not replace them in advance, buy them now, &
keep them in the glovebox for when they do fail.

 

[strutaeng]

Welcome to the forum and beautiful and well cared for truck.