So the PO of my truck had ripped out the air seals on both sides of the radiator. Looking through the parts manual, I found my part numbers. Sadly, one of the needed parts have been discontinued. I'm in need of part # 52027561 (left radiator air seal). I know I can easily cut a new piece out of some material, but what material would you all suggest I use to fabricate a new part?

 

It's cut form a reinforced rubber sheet. You will have to do some research to find someone local who sells it or get it on line.

 

Thanks. I'll measure to see how wide of a piece I need and then start looking to see where I can find the reinforced rubber.

 

I'd try and get some at the junkyard.

 

Yeah, I want to go to the junkyard soon to look for Tow Hooks, actually. I plan on going soon.

 

Took my passenger-side off, to feed my K&N CAI.
With a new all ali radiator, I haven't seen any detriment.

 

Yeah, I haven't had any trouble without mine, but I might as well try to keep moisture from getting inside of it. I found some cheap rubber that I think will work. I'm going to give it a try.

 

I was initially concerned about moisture getting to my intake in heavy rain at highway speeds, but after that sort of driving, the inner fender and heat shield around the K&N filter where still dry.

 

Ok, good to know. I've had water get into my engine bay a few times though. The rubber I found is $6, it's worth it to me to give it a shot.

 

IMHO good idea to replace these if they are torn. I recently drove 6+ hours in a near white-out and had a good accumulation of snow under the hood because my driver's side one is torn (been meaning to replace...) and caused the battery temperature sensor to whack out. It threw a code and was giving false readings to the voltage regulator causing the voltage to go up and down erratically which in turn made my headlights flicker. Never had this problem before or after the snow melted so I can only chalk it up to the moisture causing the issue.