02-06 replacement heater core

[sierradmax]

Following this thread,

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/heater-core-recommendation.58864/

I was under the assumption that OEM heater cores, from 97-06, were copper/brass. After calling Performance radiator & Acme Radiator, both companies told me that the factory changed the heater core to aluminum & plastic in 2002. I'm not finding a copper/brass option for 02-06.

 

[sab]

... the factory changed the heater core to aluminum & plastic in 2002.

This is true for sure for 2005-6. I have two spare, used heater cores in my spares pile from the junkyard, and they're both OEM, and both aluminum with plastic tanks. I think they both came out of 2005 TJs, but they could have been out of 2006, too.

 

[sierradmax]

I stand corrected. Looks like there is one option for a copper/brass heater core for 02-06... Brassworks but @ $375!

https://www.thebrassworks.net/products/2002-2006-jeep-wrangler-heater-core

 

[dbbd1]

Buy once, cry once. Especially after the hassle to replace it.

 

[Link]

Buy once, cry once. Especially after the hassle to replace it.

It’s not hard or even especially complex. Just time consuming

 

[Obi-Wan]

I stand corrected. Looks like there is one option for a copper/brass heater core for 02-06... Brassworks but @ $375!

https://www.thebrassworks.net/products/2002-2006-jeep-wrangler-heater-core

That copper heater core will likely outlast the rest of your HVAC system. $375 reflects that.

We can't complain when the cheap options suck, and the good options work.

EDIT: @voodooridr just installed a Brassworks core and confirmed that it's working great!