Radiator difference between '99-01 and '96-98 Explorer/Mountaineer

[Mesozoic]

I'm shopping for new radiators for my '00 Mountaineer and have noticed that all online sources list a Spectra CU2308 radiator for the later model trucks and CU1824 for the earlier. The main difference I can see is that the early radiator can be had in 2.25" dual row core, whereas the late model units are all single row, 1" core. I live in a hot climate and was thinking of upgrading to the thicker core, but not sure what other differences might exist between early and late model radiators.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

Advance Auto Parts lists both 1" and 2" top channel (gotta read the fine print in the description). That also translates to 1 row and 2 row. Either will fit in place of the other. I put the 2 row in my '01 Sport Trac that had a single row before.

 

[98 MERC]

So my 98 5.0 has a dual core radiator on it now from the factory ?