Frequently Asked Questions About GMC General Truck Radiators

Will these radiators fit my specific GMC truck model and year?

Our GMC General truck radiators are designed to fit GMC medium and heavy-duty trucks from 1960 through 1990, including models like the GMC General, Brigadier, and Astro 95. Each radiator listing includes specific model years and engine compatibility. Before ordering, check your truck's VIN plate and engine specifications, as radiator dimensions can vary between gas and diesel engines, even within the same model year. If you're unsure about fitment, contact us with your truck's VIN and we'll verify the correct radiator for your application.

Are these aluminum or copper/brass radiators, and which is better for my truck?

We offer both aluminum and copper/brass radiators for GMC General trucks. Aluminum radiators are lighter weight, provide excellent cooling efficiency, and resist corrosion well, making them ideal for most applications. Copper/brass radiators are heavier but offer superior heat dissipation and are often preferred for heavy-duty applications or restoration projects seeking original specifications. Both types are built to OEM standards. Your choice should depend on your truck's use - aluminum for general highway use, copper/brass for severe duty or authentic restorations.

What are the most common installation challenges and what tools do I need?

Installation typically takes 2-4 hours depending on your experience level. Common challenges include removing old, corroded mounting bolts and properly connecting transmission cooler lines on automatic-equipped trucks. You'll need basic hand tools, including various socket sizes, screwdrivers, and pliers. Have new coolant, radiator hoses, and hose clamps ready as it's best practice to replace these during installation. Some models may require slight modifications to mounting brackets due to frame variations over the years. Always verify upper and lower hose connections match your old radiator before beginning installation.

How many rows should my radiator have, and does it matter?

Row count directly affects cooling capacity. Most GMC General trucks came with 3 or 4-row radiators from the factory. 3-row radiators are sufficient for standard applications and highway driving. 4-row radiators provide additional cooling capacity needed for heavy towing, mountainous terrain, or trucks with engine modifications. If your truck frequently runs hot or you've increased horsepower, upgrading to a 4-row is recommended. Check your current radiator's row count by looking at the core thickness - each row adds approximately 5/8 inch to the overall depth.

Do these radiators come with transmission coolers, and are they compatible with my automatic transmission?

Most of our GMC General truck radiators include built-in transmission coolers for automatic transmission applications. These integrated coolers are designed to work with TH400, TH475, and Allison transmissions commonly found in these trucks. The cooler connections are typically 5/16 or 3/8 inch inverted flare fittings located on the passenger side tank. If you have a manual transmission, you can order radiators without the trans cooler to save cost. For trucks with auxiliary transmission coolers, our radiators are fully compatible and can be plumbed in series with your existing setup.