In need of aluminum radiator

[Maddart]

Are there any aluminum radiators that are decent that don’t require modifications for fitment snd shroud? 2006 Lj 4.0 auto

 

[macleanflood]

Light reading on all things cooling...short answer I'd gamble on a Denso radiator... it's not perfect but it's got better odds than everything else sans a $1200 custom built race radiator.

Thread 'Jeep Wrangler TJ Cooling System Overhaul FAQ'

Jan 23, 2017

Should I replace my entire cooling system at once?
It's a wise thing to do, yes. Let's say you buy a used Jeep Wrangler TJ with 100k plus miles on it. Well, first and foremost you have to know that as I'm writing this in 2017, your vehicle is anywhere between 20 years old (if it was made in 1997) to 11 years old (if it was made in 2006). Either way, if you have no record of the cooling system having been replaced, then you're on your stock cooling system, and even if the miles are lower, that's still a lot of time for a cooling system. Plastic and rubber wear out over time, as...

• Chris
• Replies: 331
• Forum: TJ Resources

• 

-Mac

 

[Chris]

I think the consensus is that almost every aftermarket aluminum radiator out there is crap unless you're willing to spend a considerable amount of money on something very high quality. If I recall, that's what Blaine said last time I heard his input on this matter.

 

[mrblaine]

I think the consensus is that almost every aftermarket aluminum radiator out there is crap unless you're willing to spend a considerable amount of money on something very high quality. If I recall, that's what Blaine said last time I heard his input on this matter.

I'm with Mac, I'd take a gamble on the Denso.

We keep doing this and will continue until it becomes less forgotten. The Denso ONLY works if you don't need a good radiator.

 

[Chris]

We keep doing this and will continue until it becomes less forgotten. The Denso ONLY works if you don't need a good radiator.

In that case, I retract my statement. I'd spend the money and get something that is going to last.

 

[mrblaine]

In that case, I retract my statement. I'd spend the money and get something that is going to last.

Sadly, Mac already knows it because I've posted the link to the poor guy here in SoCal whose mechanic installed a Denso and then made him jump through his ass doing everything else but swapping out the radiator. He finally did, for a used Mopar that solved the problem.

 

[TJ4Jim]

Guess I've been fortunate with the Mishimoto I installed almost 11 years ago, still performing...

 

[ColoJeep]

In that case, I retract my statement. I'd spend the money and get something that is going to last.

Is this a heat rejection issue , or a longevity issue ?

 

[mrblaine]

Guess I've been fortunate with the Mishimoto I installed almost 11 years ago, still performing...

Lucky is more like it. I installed a few that were brought to me. After seeing and dealing with the shit quality, never again.

 

[mudmaster]

Guess I've been fortunate with the Mishimoto I installed almost 11 years ago, still performing...

Mine has been flawless for 6 years now.

 

[mjonesjr84]

I have a Cold Case in my 2000 TJ and love it. It performs very well. I installed it based on recommendation from a friend who owns an off road shop after I went through 2 aftermarket OEM style radiators (busting top plastic) from O'Reilly. It fit very well with all the stock components. My engine runs right at 195-200*F even in the summer while going slow on the trails or at high RPM's up an obstacle.

If you can find a NOS Mopar radiator, you can go that route. You'll pay out the wazoo if you do find one though.

 

[Blue Clearwater]

In that case, I retract my statement. I'd spend the money and get something that is going to last.

What would that be? OEM is no longer available, as far as I can tell.

 

[Chris]

What would that be? OEM is no longer available, as far as I can tell.

If I’m being honest, I’m not entirely sure. However, others in this thread seemed to have had good luck with some of these aluminum radiators that are being mentioned above.

 

[Unique Username]

I also went with the Cold case and it has been no issue over the last year or so that I have had it. I think the quality could have been better and it’s also made in China like many of the other aluminum radiators you will find, or at least mine was. You could give Northern Radiator a call or call a local radiator shop. I was real close to having one made by a local fella just so I knew it was done to my liking and a 2 row.

 

[MtPockets]

Is it possible to recore the old one? Or are the plastic tanks part of the issue?

 

[dirtycoyotelj]

I went with Griffin. It's been 3 years and no issues.

 

[mjonesjr84]

Is it possible to recore the old one? Or are the plastic tanks part of the issue?

If the core is the issue. Most OEM style radiators crack the plastic top or bottom.

 

[mrblaine]

Is it possible to recore the old one? Or are the plastic tanks part of the issue?

I've worked on a bunch of TJ cooling systems. I've never seen a core failure.

 

[Link]

What would that be? OEM is no longer available, as far as I can tell.

Buy a Denso. It’ll work.

OEM Mopar anything isn’t that great anyway. It did meet Mopar specs….but that doesn’t say much.

Unfortunately, more people have bad luck with the all aluminum radiators than have good luck with them. It’s unfortunate because they look good

 

[ColoJeep]

Is it possible to recore the old one? Or are the plastic tanks part of the issue?

All 3 failures on various Jeeps we've owned were the top tank rupturing .