Here's the short version. On a 2011-2014 Duramax LML, we'd run the Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-11 if the truck tows, or the CSF 3584 if you just need a stock-style replacement that drops right in. On a 2007.5-2010 Duramax LMM, get the Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-06 and add a Mishimoto silicone hose kit while the coolant is already drained. The 2011-2014 6.0L gas trucks get the CSF 3798, an OE-style plastic-tank radiator with both oil coolers built in.
Every radiator below is listed in our radiators shop. These parts are engine-specific, so start by working out which truck you have.
Which Silverado 2500 HD do you have?
The 2007-2014 Silverado 2500 HD splits into four versions. Two are diesel, two are gas, and 2011 is the dividing line. That year brought a new front end, a new bolt pattern and new cooling hardware. A radiator for a 2010 will not fit a 2011.
| Version | Years | Engine | Power | How to tell |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L gas (LY6 / L96) | 2007-2010 | Vortec 6.0L V8 | 353 hp / 373 lb-ft (L96 in 2010: 360 hp / 380 lb-ft) | Gas cap, 8x6.5" lug pattern |
| 6.6L Duramax LMM | 2007.5-2010 | 6.6L turbodiesel V8 | 365 hp @ 3200 / 660 lb-ft @ 1600 | Diesel, 8x6.5" lug pattern, no DEF fill |
| 6.0L gas (L96) | 2011-2014 | Vortec 6.0L V8, Flex Fuel | 360 hp @ 4400 / 380 lb-ft @ 4200 | Gas cap, 8x180mm lug pattern |
| 6.6L Duramax LML | 2011-2014 | 6.6L turbodiesel V8 | 397 hp @ 3000 / 765 lb-ft @ 1600 | Diesel, 8x180mm lug pattern, DEF fill (SCR) |
Gas or diesel is the easy part. Separating 2007-2010 from 2011-2014 is easiest at the wheels. The older trucks run an 8x6.5-inch (8x165.1mm) bolt pattern, and the 2011-and-up trucks run 8x180mm with M14 x 1.5 lug nuts. If your diesel has a DEF tank and fill, it's an LML, because the LML brought SCR emissions with it. If you want certainty, read the RPO codes on the sticker in the glovebox. LML and LMM are both listed there by name.
Early 2007 trucks built before the LMM arrived are a different animal. The LMM parts below are for 2007.5-2010 trucks only.
Best radiators for the 2011-2014 Silverado 2500 HD 6.6L Duramax LML
The LML is the stoutest engine in this lineup. It makes 397 hp and 765 lb-ft at just 1600 rpm, and a properly equipped 2011 crew cab Duramax is rated for up to 21,700 pounds on a fifth wheel and 17,000 pounds conventional. All that torque at low rpm means a lot of heat while you're barely moving. Picture a loaded gooseneck crawling up a grade in July.
The factory radiator uses plastic tanks crimped onto an aluminum core. It also does double duty: oil cooler plates sit in the tanks and connect through quick-connect fittings. That's fine until the plastic gets brittle with age and miles. Owners usually replace it for one of three reasons: a cracked tank, a weeping seam, or temps that creep up when towing hard in the heat.
CSF 3584: the straight OE-style swap
The CSF 3584 OEM plastic radiator is built to factory specs, so it drops in where the old one came out. It's a two-row, cross-flow aluminum core with OE-style plastic tanks. It has an 11-1/2-inch high-efficiency plate-type oil cooler and the same quick-connect outlet pipe and quick-connect oil cooler fittings your truck already uses.
It isn't trying to beat stock. The goal is to match the factory radiator's cooling and get a daily driver or light-tow truck back on the road without fuss. CSF backs it with a 1-year warranty.
Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-11: the towing upgrade
The Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-11 Duramax radiator gets rid of the plastic entirely. It's an all-aluminum, TIG-welded unit with a two-row core that is 1.97 inches thick and 33.46 x 27.76 inches across. Mishimoto claims a 22% increase in coolant capacity and pitches it for hauling, towing and warm climates, which is exactly how most of these trucks get used.
The outlet is a CNC-machined, factory-style quick-disconnect, so it works with the stock hose or a Mishimoto silicone kit. It also comes with a magnetic drain plug (M12 x 1.5 with a Dowty seal) that catches debris, and it carries Mishimoto's lifetime warranty.
Our pick for the LML
If the truck pulls a trailer, go Mishimoto. Welded aluminum tanks don't have a plastic-to-metal crimp to fail, the extra capacity is real coolant volume, and the warranty runs as long as you own it. If the truck is a daily that tows a utility trailer twice a year, the CSF 3584 does the job and gets you back to stock.
Best radiator for the 2007.5-2010 Silverado 2500 HD Duramax LMM
The LMM makes 365 hp at 3200 rpm and 660 lb-ft at 1600. It runs Bosch high-pressure common-rail injection with a CP3.3 pump and a 16.8:1 compression ratio. The newest of these trucks is well into its teens, so most original radiators have been through plenty of heat cycles. Plastic tanks that old are living on borrowed time.
The hoses are the same age. If your truck still has the factory rubber, change it when you change the radiator. You only want to drain and refill this system once.
Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-06
The Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-06 is Mishimoto's direct-replacement radiator for the 2006-2010 Duramax trucks. It's the performance radiator we carry for the LMM 2500 HD. It's the right part for an older Duramax that tows, or for one whose original radiator is starting to seep at the tank seams. Check the product card for the full core specs before you order.
Mishimoto silicone hose kits for the LMM
Both kits are built for the 2006-2010 Duramax 2500. The Mishimoto black silicone hose kit (MMHOSE-CHV-06DBK) looks factory under the hood. The Mishimoto blue silicone hose kit (MMHOSE-CHV-06DBL) is for guys who want people to notice when the hood goes up. The fit and the job are the same either way. Pick the color you like.
Our pick for the LMM
If it were our truck, we'd run the MMRAD-DMAX-06 with the black hose kit and do it all in one afternoon. A new radiator feeding coolant through 15-year-old rubber is a half-finished job.
Best radiator for the 2011-2014 Silverado 2500 HD 6.0L gas
The gas HD is the L96 Vortec 6.0L, a Gen IV small block that runs on regular unleaded and is Flex Fuel capable. It makes 360 hp at 4400 rpm and 380 lb-ft at 4200. Unlike the diesel, it makes its power high in the rev range, so a gas 2500 working a trailer spends a lot of time at high rpm. That puts heat into the coolant and the trans fluid at the same time.
CSF 3798
The CSF 3798 OEM plastic radiator is an OE-style replacement with a single-row aluminum core, plastic tanks, and both an engine oil cooler and a transmission cooler built in. CSF calls it a dual oil cooler system with an enhanced 4-plate and 5-plate cooler design. It uses the factory-style quick-connect outlet pipe and oil cooler fittings.
Use the fitment check on the product page to confirm your exact truck before you order. Then make sure the fittings on your old radiator match the new one. Do that and it's a straight swap.
Our pick for the 6.0L gas
The CSF 3798 is the one we carry for this engine, and it's the right call for a gas HD that needs a fresh radiator. Pair it with new hoses and a full coolant flush.
If you have a 2007-2010 6.0L gas truck, nothing in this lineup is listed for it. Check the full radiator category for anything new before you shop elsewhere.
Silverado 2500 HD radiators compared
| Part | Fits | Years | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSF 3798 | 6.0L gas (2011-2014) | 2011-2014 | Radiator | $207.85 |
| CSF 3584 | 6.6L Duramax LML (2011-2014) | 2011-2014 | Radiator | $300.48 |
| Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-11 | 6.6L Duramax LML (2011-2014) | 2011-2014 | Radiator | $1,049.95 |
| Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-06 | 6.6L Duramax LMM (2007.5-2010) | 2007-2010 | Radiator | $999.95 |
| Mishimoto MMHOSE-CHV-06DBK | 6.6L Duramax LMM (2007.5-2010) | 2007-2010 | Radiator hose kit | $396.23 |
| Mishimoto MMHOSE-CHV-06DBL | 6.6L Duramax LMM (2007.5-2010) | 2007-2010 | Radiator hose kit | $396.23 |
Mishimoto vs CSF for the Duramax
This choice only comes up on the LML, since that's where we carry both brands. The decision is simple.
- CSF 3584: plastic tanks, aluminum core, two rows, OE-style fittings, 1-year warranty. Its job is to restore factory cooling.
- Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-11: all-aluminum TIG-welded construction, a 1.97-inch two-row core, 22% more coolant capacity by Mishimoto's numbers, a magnetic drain plug and a lifetime warranty. Its job is to give you headroom.
A plastic-tank radiator on a diesel that tows is a wear item. An aluminum radiator is closer to a fix-it-once part. If you plan to keep the truck and keep working it, the Mishimoto pays off over time. If you're selling in a year, the CSF makes sense.
Overheating when towing: does a bigger radiator help?
Yes, as long as the rest of the system is healthy. A 2011 2500 HD crew cab is rated up to 13,000 pounds, and the Duramax trucks go well past that on a fifth wheel. That's a lot of weight to push up a long grade, and the radiator has to shed engine heat, oil heat and trans heat all at once.
More coolant volume and a thicker, all-aluminum core give the system more thermal mass to soak up a long climb before temps run away. That's why the Mishimoto is our pick for any Duramax that tows. Before you blame the radiator, though, check the cheap stuff:
- Bugs, mud and debris packed into the front of the core
- A tired fan clutch or fan
- Old coolant, or the wrong coolant
- Soft, swollen hoses that collapse under suction
Bigger tires add load too. If you've stepped up a size, we cover what fits in our guide to running 35s on a Silverado 2500 HD. Taller rubber makes the engine work harder at the same road speed, which shows up on the temp gauge when you're towing.
Aluminum vs factory plastic-tank radiators
Here's how coolant moves through a Duramax radiator. Hot coolant from the engine enters at the inlet neck (1 in Figure 1) and spreads across the inlet tank (2). It then crosses the finned core (3), where airflow pulls the heat out. Cooled coolant collects in the outlet tank (4) and returns to the engine through the outlet neck (5).
On a factory-style radiator, both tanks (2 and 4) are plastic, crimped and gasketed to the aluminum core. Those joints are where old radiators usually fail: hairline cracks at the necks, or seeps along the crimp. The CSF 3584 and CSF 3798 keep this layout, which is why they match stock fit and stock behavior.
The Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-11 makes all five parts aluminum and TIG-welds them together. With no crimp and no gasket between the tank and the core, those failure points are gone. The outlet neck (5) is CNC-machined to match the factory quick-disconnect, so your stock hose still clicks on.
Are silicone radiator hoses worth it?
On an older diesel, yes. Factory rubber hoses get hard, crack, or go soft and swell with age and heat. Silicone holds its shape much better through years of heat cycles. On a 2007.5-2010 LMM that's still on original hoses, a Mishimoto silicone hose kit is cheap insurance against a burst hose on the highway with a trailer behind you.
Skip mixing new hoses with an old radiator, or a new radiator with old hoses. Do both at once and the system is fresh from one end to the other.
How long does a Silverado 2500 HD radiator swap take?
Mishimoto rates the MMRAD-DMAX-11 as a hard install, and that's honest. It isn't a quick bolt-on. The radiator is big and heavy, everything in front of the engine is packed tight, and you're disconnecting the oil cooler lines as well as the coolant hoses.
The quick-connect fittings on all three trucks help a lot. None of these radiators needs cutting or modification. Plan on a full day with a helper, a big drain pan, and fresh coolant on the shelf. Put a towel under the oil cooler fittings when you pop them.
If there's a newer half-ton in the driveway too, we've built guides for that truck. Check out our picks for Silverado 1500 leveling kits, Silverado 1500 lift kits, Silverado 1500 cat-back exhausts and Silverado 1500 cold air intakes. For wheels and tires, see the Silverado 1500 wheel and tire sizing guide.
FAQ
Do the radiators on a 2012 Silverado 2500 HD have oil in them?
Yes, but not mixed with the coolant. The radiator has separate oil cooler sections built into the tanks, and oil flows through its own passages. The CSF 3584 for the LML has an 11-1/2-inch plate-type oil cooler with quick-connect fittings, and the CSF 3798 for the gas 6.0L carries both an engine oil cooler and a transmission cooler. If you ever find oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil, suspect an internal leak and deal with it right away.
Why does it look like my Silverado has two radiators?
Because the radiator does several jobs. On these HD trucks, the main radiator carries coolant plus separate coolers for engine oil, and on many trucks transmission fluid too. CSF describes the 3798 as a dual oil cooler system with a 4-plate and a 5-plate cooler. Add the other heat exchangers stacked in front of the truck and it looks like a lot of radiator. It's normal.
Which radiator fits a 2014 Silverado 2500 HD?
It depends on the engine. A 2014 Duramax is an LML, so it takes the CSF 3584 or the Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-11. A 2014 gas truck is the L96 6.0L, which takes the CSF 3798. Don't cross them. The diesel and gas radiators are different parts with different oil cooler setups, even though the trucks look the same from the outside.
Is an oversized radiator worth it on a Silverado 2500 HD?
On a Duramax that tows, yes. Mishimoto claims a 22% increase in coolant capacity for the MMRAD-DMAX-11, with a 1.97-inch two-row aluminum core, and it bolts in with no cutting. That extra volume gives you more cushion on long grades in summer. On a truck that rarely works hard, an OE-style radiator like the CSF 3584 is plenty.
Will a radiator from a '94 or 2000 Silverado fit my 2007-2014 2500 HD?
Don't count on it. Older Silverados and half-tons are different trucks with different engines, fittings and mounting. Even inside the 2007-2014 range, the 2011 redesign changed the front suspension, the bolt pattern and the cooling parts. Buy by exact year, engine and fitting style, not by what looks close.
Should I buy a used radiator for my Duramax?
We wouldn't. A used radiator on these trucks has the same aging plastic tanks you're trying to get away from, plus oil coolers you can't inspect from the outside. A pinhole in an internal cooler can put oil into your coolant. On a truck rated for up to 21,700 pounds on a fifth wheel, a new radiator is the cheaper choice once you count the risk.
Is a Mishimoto or CSF radiator better for the LML Duramax?
The Mishimoto is the upgrade and the CSF is the restoration. The MMRAD-DMAX-11 is all aluminum, TIG-welded, carries a lifetime warranty, and Mishimoto rates it for towing and hot climates. The CSF 3584 is built to OE specs with plastic tanks and a 1-year warranty, so it fits and performs like stock. Tow hard and keep the truck long, go Mishimoto. Need a clean factory-style swap, go CSF.
Do I need new hoses when I replace the radiator?
If the hoses are original on a 2007.5-2010 LMM, yes. They're as old as the radiator and they've seen the same heat. The Mishimoto silicone kits in black or blue fit the 2006-2010 Duramax 2500 and hold up better than rubber over time. On the 2011-2014 LML, the Mishimoto radiator's quick-disconnect outlet works with your factory hose.
How hard is it to install a radiator on a Silverado 2500 HD?
Mishimoto rates the LML radiator as a hard install. That fits the job: it's a large, heavy radiator in a crowded engine bay, with coolant lines and oil cooler lines to disconnect. Factory-style quick-connects on all three radiators make it manageable, and none of them need cutting or modification. Set aside a full day, have a helper on hand, and refill and bleed the system carefully when you're done.
Is there a radiator for the 2007-2010 6.0L gas Silverado 2500 HD?
Nothing in this lineup is listed for the 2007-2010 6.0L gas trucks. The CSF 3798 is listed for the 2011-2014 6.0L only, and the Mishimoto MMRAD-DMAX-06 is diesel-only. Check our radiator category for new additions, and match by year and engine before you order anything.
Shop every Silverado 2500 HD radiator
Whether it's a Duramax that tows or a gas daily, the right radiator for your 2007-2014 2500 HD is below.
Try wheels on your Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD: see the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD bolt pattern, wheel sizes by year and wheel builds in our free wheel visualizer.