New radiator install

[pbeach]

Saturday thrashings:

The OEM radiator finally shit the bed last week after 18 years in the surface-of-the-sun heat of South Florida. Surprised it lasted this long — regular flushings and TLC always helps extend the life.

A flawless install from beginning to end — guaranteed my first without SOME issue. None. Dropped in like a glove — perfect fit. Mount holes plus the holes for the fan shroud, perfectly lined up. Brass petcock. New hoses top and bottom.

Installed a Stant 45209 Superstat last year after a flush — manufacturer assured the 195°. Valvoline ZEREX 50/50 coolant.

My son-in-law has had two Champions for years — his CJ and '48 Ford pickup - zero issues.

'06 TJ 2.4L - Champion 2-Row - https://www.championradiators.com/Jeep-Wrangler-radiators-1987-2006

 

[TheBoogieman]

Good luck with it. It looks pretty if nothing else.

 

[pbeach]

Good luck with it. It looks pretty if nothing else.

LOL. A man can shave in this thing when he's camping.

 

[Cross06TJR]

Thanks for the post, looks great be following to see how it holds up as I expect to be shopping for a new one soon.

 

[06lj]

Keep us updated on your experience. Since all of the Mopar radiators are now gone it will be good to have some real world experience with the aftermarket offerings.

 

[pbeach]

26jan25 UPDATE:

Upgraded the 19-year-old OEM fan to a new SPAL 16" 2,500 cfm puller — added the Champion aluminum shroud.

Radical difference, wow.

Standing in front of the grill with a loose shirt, you can feel it pulling the shirt. Crazy.

Part number: SPU-IX-30102113 | https://www.summitracing.com/parts/spu-ix-30102113#overview

Add'l peace of mind for anyone that lives in Surface-of-the-Sun Land South Florida, Arizona, Texas...

 

[Geok]

Which fan are you running? What's the electrical connection like? Uses factory harness, etc?

 

[B1Toad]

26jan25 UPDATE:

Upgraded the 19-year-old OEM fan to a new SPAL 16" 2,500 cfm puller — added the Champion aluminum shroud.

Radical difference, wow.

Standing in front of the grill with a loose shirt, you can feel it pulling the shirt. Crazy.

Part number: SPU-IX-30102113 | https://www.summitracing.com/parts/spu-ix-30102113#overview

Add'l peace of mind for anyone that lives in Surface-of-the-Sun Land South Florida, Arizona, Texas...

Were you having cooling issues last summer? Will be curious to see how that fan does this summer, keep us posted.

 

[pbeach]

Which fan are you running? What's the electrical connection like? Uses factory harness, etc?

SPAL 16" 2,500 cfm puller — part number: SPU-IX-30102113 | https://www.summitracing.com/parts/spu-ix-30102113#overview

I used the existing OEM connection. My Stant thermo is 195°. The fan kicks in a little past 210° on the gauge, same as it always has.

 

[pbeach]

Were you having cooling issues last summer? Will be curious to see how that fan does this summer, keep us posted.

18 years of oppressive South Florida summers, no issues... until the top cracked by the fill cap last July. Honestly, I'm surprised it lasted that long. The next chapter for the TJ will be in NM beginning in mid-May — so, no break on the summer temps.