Do I need new hoses or clamps when I swap this in?

Your existing hoses and clamps will refit—this is a direct OEM replacement at the same connection points. Inspect hoses for cracks or hardening before reinstalling; if they look compromised, replace them while you're in there.

Will this cool better than my current radiator, or is it just a like-for-like swap?

This matches the original cooling capacity—it's a replacement, not an upgrade. If your current radiator is failing (overheating under load), this restores you to factory performance. For serious upgrade cooling, you'd need an aftermarket oversized core.

What kind of coolant should I use after installation?

Stick with what Freightliner specifies for your model year—your service manual lists the exact coolant type and mix ratio. Fresh fluid when you install the radiator is a best practice to avoid contamination.