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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: N8whitie on October 15, 2010, 06:39:59 PM
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I'm looking for a new radiator and was wondering what all of you guys use? I dont want to spend alot on a Griffin or anything but I would like an aluminum radiator as i hear they are much better. I'm looking at these guys on Ebay and they have a 2 row or a 3 row. I'm thinking a 2 row would be fine but just want to check you guys out and see what you think.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1987-2006-Jeep-Wrangler-2-Row-Radiator-FREE-SHIPPING-/300476656734?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1995%7CModel%3AWrangler%7CMake%3AJeep&hash=item45f5cdec5e
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I just use the OEM one. :confused:
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Unless your add massive power upgrades, no real need. You can run an electric fan for more cooling power with OEM.
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the stock rad with a good fan will keep a 2.5L cool.
JR
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I'm looking for a new radiator and was wondering what all of you guys use? I dont want to spend alot on a Griffin or anything but I would like an aluminum radiator as i hear they are much better. I'm looking at these guys on Ebay and they have a 2 row or a 3 row. I'm thinking a 2 row would be fine but just want to check you guys out and see what you think.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1987-2006-Jeep-Wrangler-2-Row-Radiator-FREE-SHIPPING-/300476656734?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1995%7CModel%3AWrangler%7CMake%3AJeep&hash=item45f5cdec5e
that's the same as the one i got but mine was something like $115 shipped (or $120, can't remember but for sure not more than that, $175 is too much) - ebay as well, 1-1/4'' thick core if i recall correctly. it's worth the extra $50 compared to a stock one with plastic tanks (that's about $75 new)
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www.radiatorbarn.com has a good warranty, price, and quick shipping on all-metal radiators.
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With the price of some of the cheap Aluminum radiators, I'd consider one. Aluminum radiators typically have larger rows then copper.
If I swap to a CJ front clip, I'm gonna go Aluminum.
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I should have added, but they do look bad a$$ ;)
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I´m pretty sure the 4.0 and 2.5 Wranglers use the same radiator, so the 2.5 is cooled very well.
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My radiator is just beat to hell. All the fins are smashed down so I figured I would just get a new one.... Its probably the factory radiator. I got a new 195* thermostat too so with those being changed my cooling issues should be over for under $150.
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I´m pretty sure the 4.0 and 2.5 Wranglers use the same radiator, so the 2.5 is cooled very well.
the 2.5 had a thinner core, but from what i know a lot of them had the 4.0L rad, mine didn't.
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the 2.5 had a thinner core, but from what i know a lot of them had the 4.0L rad, mine didn't.
The stock one on mine was a single core but the core was the same length as my two-core I have now. Still, it only takes up 2/3" the space on the tanks.
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The stock one on mine was a single core but the core was the same length as my two-core I have now. Still, it only takes up 2/3" the space on the tanks.
the width and height are the same, the factory rad for 2.5 has a core 5/8 thick (at least that's what i had) the 4.0 is thicker from what i know. replacements are interchangeable and i think they are all 4.0.
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the width and height are the same, the factory rad for 2.5 has a core 5/8 thick (at least that's what i had) the 4.0 is thicker from what i know. replacements are interchangeable and i think they are all 4.0.
Yeah a 4.0 will have the core cover the tanks. Aftermarket are either 2.5L or 4.0L though. My aftermerket is a 2 core. A 3-core would have cost more but cover the tanks.
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My radiator is just beat to hell. All the fins are smashed down so I figured I would just get a new one.... Its probably the factory radiator. I got a new 195* thermostat too so with those being changed my cooling issues should be over for under $150.
If it isn't leaking, why not just try to straighten out the fins?
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If it isn't leaking, why not just try to straighten out the fins?
An OEM radiator with plastic tanks is a ticking time bomb, they all leak at the seams eventually.
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An OEM radiator with plastic tanks is a ticking time bomb, they all leak at the seams eventually.
Mine lasted over ten years before it started to leak. Again, if it isn't leaking, why not straighten the fins and press on with life?
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Mine lasted over ten years before it started to leak. Again, if it isn't leaking, why not straighten the fins and press on with life?
we're talking about a YJ so over 15 year old vehicle.
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Plus the new rad is only about a bubck fifty... Why risk it?
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It would take me about 2 days straight and a bag of meth to straighten every fin on that radiator. Its worth my 150 to get a new one and call it good.
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Try touching the fins once you get a new radiator. I don't think it's too much of a problem in CA but in other climates fins do corrode and flake off. My old radiator had that big time.
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Try touching the fins once you get a new radiator. I don't think it's too much of a problem in CA but in other climates fins do corrode and flake off. My old radiator had that big time.
same on my old one, they crumble in a fine dust when touched :lol:
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My '95 OEM radiator has the platic tanks but seems to be aluminum, no rust ... it is starting to show some stains around the seams although it does not seem to leak and it cools the engine very well.
I've got a new aluminum radiator lined up ready to go in. Should I keep using the old one until it leaks or put the new one in right away?
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Aluminum oxidizes and corrodes. Basically the same thing as rust though. If it's not leaking and you don't have cooling issues, I wouldn't bother changing it out. They may seep a little but unless it's pooling up and dripping I wouldn't worry too much.
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Thanks. Sounds good.
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Aluminum oxidizes and corrodes. Basically the same thing as rust though. If it's not leaking and you don't have cooling issues, I wouldn't bother changing it out. They may seep a little but unless it's pooling up and dripping I wouldn't worry too much.
Drove with one leaking for 5 years before finally changing it when the heater core also started leaking. The radiator only leaked when it got to less than 20 degrees outside, and then it would only steam until it warmed up and wouldn't do it for the rest of the day. You guessed it, right at the seam where the plastic and metal come together. Wasn't worth replacing until I had to drain the system for the heater core anyway.