TRQ Radiator Assembly Aluminum Core Compatible with 97-98 Ford F150

In this review the TRQ radiator assembly is evaluated for owners of late 1990s Ford F150, Expedition and F250 trucks who need a direct replacement radiator. The bottom line: this unit is a practical, vehicle-specific OE replacement with an aluminum core and a single-row design that delivers straightforward fit and straightforward cooling capacity for the listed 1997-98 4.2L and 4.6L applications. It is best for a budget-minded DIYer or a repair shop needing a like-for-like radiator that lines up with factory mounts and plumbing.

Key Features

• Direct Fit: The radiator is made to match factory mounting points so it installs without modification on compatible 1997-98 Ford trucks.
• Aluminum Core: The aluminum core provides efficient heat transfer while keeping weight down compared with all-plastic cores.
• OE Replacement: Built to replace the original part using aftermarket reference CU2141 and HVA01621 for straightforward sourcing and compatibility checks.
• Transmission Cooler: Includes an internal transmission oil cooler with six plated cooler plates to support automatic transmission cooling needs.
• Standard Connections: 1.75 in inlet and outlet diameters and bottom-left outlet location align with stock hoses for a clean install.

Who It's For

The radiator is aimed at owners and mechanics of 1997-98 Ford F150 trucks and 1997-98 Ford Expedition and F250 models with 4.2L or 4.6L engines who want a direct-fit OE-style replacement without custom work. It suits people doing a full radiator swap, radiator-plus-transmission-cooler replacement, or restoring cooling function after a failure.

Those who need a heavy-duty performance radiator, multi-row core, or integrated engine oil cooler should look elsewhere; this model is a single-row cross flow design with plastic tanks and no engine oil cooler included, so it is not intended as an upgraded racing or heavy-haul solution.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consistent fitment for the specified 1997-98 vehicle list, making installation quick for experienced DIYers or shops.
• Good value for money as an aftermarket OE replacement with an aluminum core that balances cost and performance.
• Integrated transmission cooling with six plated plates helps maintain transmission temperatures under normal driving.

Cons

• Mixed reports on long-term durability and occasional leakage mean buyers should inspect and pressure-test after installation.
• Plastic tanks are standard on this unit, so those wanting a full-metal radiator will need a different product.

Specifications

Core Material	Aluminum
Core Row Quantity	1
Core Thickness	1 in
Core Height x Width	16.81 in x 31.88 in
Inlet / Outlet Diameter	1.75 in / 1.75 in
Transmission Oil Cooler	Internal, plated, 6 plates
Tank Material	Plastic

Our Verdict

The TRQ radiator assembly is a sensible, cost-effective replacement for 1997-98 Ford F150, Expedition and F250 trucks when you need reliable fit and restored cooling function. It offers the convenience of direct-fit mounting and an aluminum single-row core, making it a good value for routine repairs; buyers needing extra durability or a high-capacity upgrade should consider other multi-row or full-metal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this radiator a direct replacement for my 1997-98 Ford F150?
Yes, it is built as a direct-fit OE replacement for the listed 1997-98 Ford F150 4.2L and 4.6L models, but buyers should verify vehicle-specific compatibility in the listing.

Does it include a transmission cooler?
Yes, it includes an internal transmission oil cooler with six plated plates to assist automatic transmission cooling.

Are the tanks metal or plastic?
The radiator uses plastic tanks with an aluminum core, which provides a balance of cost and weight but is not a full-metal construction.