If you're considering replacing your complete truck radiator assembly (plastic tank/ aluminum core radiator and frame) rather than replacing only the plastic tank/ aluminum core radiator, these are four strong reasons to replace the entire assembly:
1) Risk of Core Damage During Frame Transfer
Removing an existing frame and fitting it to a new plastic tank/ aluminum core radiator requires significant handling, alignment, and clamping of delicate cooling tubes and fins. During the transfer process, the new plastic tank/ aluminum core radiator can be bent, crushed, twisted, or otherwise damaged, potentially causing leaks or reducing cooling efficiency before the radiator is even installed.
2) Potential Distortion of an Aged or Damaged Frame
The original frame may have suffered from vibration, impact damage, corrosion, or metal fatigue during its service life. Reusing a distorted frame can place uneven stress on the new plastic tank/ aluminum core radiator, increasing the likelihood of premature failure, cracking, or coolant leaks.
3) Reduced Reliability and Warranty Risk
A complete radiator assembly is manufactured and tested as an assembly. Reusing an old frame introduces variables that can affect fit, performance, and durability. Any damage occurring during frame transfer may lead to future failures and could complicate warranty claims or responsibility for defects.
4) Lower Labor Time and Reduced Installation Risk
Replacing the complete radiator eliminates the dismantling and reassembly process required for a plastic tank/ aluminum core radiator only replacement. This reduces workshop labor, avoids the risk of damaging the new plastic tank/ aluminum core radiator during frame exchange, and provides a faster, more reliable repair with fewer opportunities for installation errors.
These points emphasize that the frame exchange process itself can damage the new plastic tank/ aluminum core radiator, while a complete radiator replacement provides a fully assembled, tested, and more dependable solution.
Dura-Lite Framed Heavy-Duty Radiator Assemblies
Dura-Lite's heavy-duty semi-truck radiators have a higher efficiency core design and reinforced tubes so that there is extra strength where it is needed. Dura-Lite™ headers include extra deep crimp tabs, reinforced tank crimp area on the tanks and extra stainless-steel outer crimp strips used to reinforce applications with traditional style crimp designs.
Reinforced headers and an extra stiffening plate prevents leaks from happening between the tank and header, and the tubes and header. Our thicker, stronger, and more flexible tanks, combined with reinforced headers, ensure that our radiators remain durable and last longer.
Dura-Lite has a range of Framed Plastic Tank Radiators in stock for immediate delivery.
| Dura-Lite Part Number: | Vehicle Fitments: | |
| DR-BL-2000-001-B-PT |  |
BLUE BIRD BODY CO. SCHOOL BUS 2002 - 2012 BLUE BIRD BODY CO. VISION 2002 - 2012 |
| DR-FR-1331-001-B-PT |  |
FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA 2017 - 2021 |
| DR-FR-1337-001-B-PT |  |
FREIGHTLINER SCHOOL BUS 2004 - 2013 THOMAS BUS 5600I 2004 - 2013 THOMAS BUS B2 2004 - 2013 THOMAS BUS C2 2004 - 2013 THOMAS BUS FLT 2004 - 2013 THOMAS BUS LT 2004 - 2013 THOMAS BUS SCHOOL BUS 2004 - 2013 |
| DR-KE-1206-001-PT |  |
KENWORTH T660 2006 - 2016 KENWORTH T880 2014 - 2021 KENWORTH W900 2008 - 2022 KENWORTH W900L 2008 - 2022 |
| DR-KE-1207-001-PT |  |
KENWORTH T800 2008 - 2023 KENWORTH T880 2014 - 2016 PETERBILT 335 2008 - 2010 PETERBILT 365 2008 - 2015 PETERBILT 367 2008 - 2015 PETERBILT 567 2013 - 2022 PETERBILT 587 2008 - 2011 PETERBILT 587EXHD 2008 - 2011 |
| DR-KE-1208-001-PT |  |
KENWORTH T660 2006 - 2013 KENWORTH T800H 2006 - 2013 KENWORTH W900 2006 - 2013 |
| DR-KE-1209-001-PT |  |
KENWORTH T680 2018 - 2023 KENWORTH T880 2022 – 2026 PETERBILT 579 2018 - 2023 |
| DR-PE-1010-001-PT |  |
KENWORTH W900 2008 - 2015 PETERBILT 365 2011 - 2012 PETERBILT 367 2011 - 2015 PETERBILT 379 2008 - 2011 PETERBILT 388 2008 - 2015 PETERBILT 389 2008 - 2022 PETERBILT 567 2014 - 2015 |
| DR-PE-1011-001-PT |  |
KENWORTH T2000 2008 - 2014 KENWORTH T680 2008 - 2017 KENWORTH T700 2011 - 2014 KENWORTH T880 2008 - 2019 PETERBILT 365 2008 - 2014 PETERBILT 367 2008 - 2014 PETERBILT 387 2008 - 2014 PETERBILT 567 2014 - 2018 PETERBILT 579 2013 - 2016 PETERBILT 587 2008 - 2016 |
| DR-VO-1407-001-B-PT |  |
MACK CHU 2016 - 2017 MACK CHU613 2016 - 2017 MACK CT 2008 - 2016 MACK CV 2008 - 2016 MACK CXU 2008 - 2016 MACK GRANITE 2008 - 2016 MACK PINNACLE 2007 - 2015 MACK VISION 2008 - 2016 VOLVO VN 2008 - 2016 VOLVO VNL 2008 - 2024 VOLVO VNM 2008 - 2024 VOLVO VNR 2018 VOLVO VNX 2015 - 2017 |
Connect with Dura-Lite
At Dura-Lite, we are always here to help. If you have questions or need further assistance, please visit our website or call us Toll Free at (800) 661-1117.
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