Radiator change out

[tarriverarms]

I am looking at changing out the radiator

I see a few all aluminum ones, which I like, but they seem to be a universal fit and can be quite pricey. Are they easily installed? I would like to find an all metal one, that is OEM compatable that just bolts right in. Do most of these work or is there a bit of custom it work required?

I also see a brass aluminum one which I like as well and is very affordable.

What have you guys used and have you had any issues?

[tgreese]

I am looking at changing out the radiator

I see a few all aluminum ones, which I like, but they seem to be a universal fit and can be quite pricey. Are they easily installed? I would like to find an all metal one, that is OEM compatable that just bolts right in. Do most of these work or is there a bit of custom it work required?

I also see a brass aluminum one which I like as well and is very affordable.

What have you guys used and have you had any issues?

I had the radiator in my J10 recored. For that, you'd need to find a real radiator shop nearby that still solders radiators, and it won't be the cheapest option. I put an all-brass/copper radiator from Spectra in my CJ-6, May no longer be available from retail channels. I tried an all-aluminum radiator for my J20 from a well-reviewed online source - it did not fit. Expensive to send it back. Instead I bought the plastic and aluminum offering from Spectra through RockAuto and it fit perfectly. Been a couple of years, stays cool fine.

[joe]

If you've got a real radiator shop near you, checking into getting yours recored is a good option. I personally don't care for alum rads and don't care much for anything "Universal/One Size Fits All" AKA fits nothing well. I've replaced a couple rads in V8 J-trucks. Don't know if still avail(was 10 years ago) I went with the OEM spec copper/brass from Napa. Made by Modine. Worked great and no install issues.

[babywag]

Any correct application replacements will most likely be fine.
Good luck finding a radiator shop that can recore for less than a new brass radiator these days.
Around here VERY few and $$$$ like 2x cost of a new brass one.

[nograin]

What have you guys used and have you had any issues?

Had issues on every replacement radiator but the copper repop sold by BJ's Off-road. This for my '85 GW. YMMV.

Long version:
Most of the replacements are not good copies or made well. Where the replacements are most off is the lower hose angle. Until I got BJ's, I'd get a few years out of the replacment and then have to swap in the patched original for a few weeks. For the last attempt to salvage a replacement was by intalling the oem outlet onto using a cardboard template to match the angle as best possible. It couldn't be exactly the same because the lower tanks themselves were not quite the same.

If you can't find a local place to fix (and that depends on what is needed) and really want it fixed, try Glen-ray. They can fix just about any radiator. It won't be cheap, but not stupid expensive either. They do charge more for numbers matching all that jazz.



To be sure, BJ's lower hose angle was not the same as the presumable original out of my Waggon. However, clearances and stresses seem OK, so still going with it. Photos here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/95633850@N06/albums/72157639931136215

More detailed reviews and experiences starts here
Then more here, pictures in post #30

[rang-a-stang]

I am installing an aluminum rad in mine and have my copper/brass radiator that is in awesome shape I would sell for fairly cheap (say $50 plus shipping?). Only problem with it is the overflow tank nipple points the wrong direction and shipping will probably be bucks since it has to cross the US.

[tarriverarms]

Thanks Rangastang, but I think I am going to go the same route you are.

[FSJunkie]

Some of the new brass radiators seem to have durability issues. They last a while then crack their tank seams. I have a Visteon that has been really bad about that. Spectra seem to do a little better but Murray seem to be the best. I've had no problem with Murray radiators.

[ShagWagon]

https://www.teamgrandwagoneer.com/all-aluminum-3-row-heavy-duty-radiator-1974-1991/

I bought this one over a year ago.

Bolted right up and no problem whatsoever. This HD radiator and a HD water pump they sell perform flawless.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

If you're going to go that route, save yourself some money and the headache of dealing with TGW and buy this one.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F111819868748

All TGW does is sell Chinese crap at jacked up prices. That is, if you ever even get your order. Some say they've never had a problem with them, but many others have been royally screwed over by TGW. Check the customer corner section on this site before dealing with them and then make your decision.

[tarriverarms]

That's the route I am going to go Heavy Metal. However a rust sot in the rocker panel has moved itself to the rear tire well. Going straight to the body shop first.

[babywag]

If you're going to go that route, save yourself some money and the headache of dealing with TGW and buy this one.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F111819868748

All TGW does is sell Chinese crap at jacked up prices. That is, if you ever even get your order. Some say they've never had a problem with them, but many others have been royally screwed over by TGW. Check the customer corner section on this site before dealing with them and then make your decision.

X2 and same goes for WP less $ from pretty much anyone than TGW.
Autozone or similar sells GMB aluminum water pump w/ lifetime warranty.
They?re good pumps and actually fit properly unlike cast iron aftermarket poo.

[mx71]

I got an original replacement from BJs, and it bolted right in with no issues. I did have to swap the drain plug though. the plastic one it comes with is trash. I just re-used the original metal one.

[gpcl16]

Another vote for the BJs offroad standard replacement radiator. Fits perfect and no issues over 4+ years and 15,000 miles. I also replaced the drain plug with a brass petcock. I also highly recommend their fan shroud if yours is missing or destroyed as most seem to be.

[mwood65]

I bought one of the Aluminum radiators off eBay for my Corvette and was worried about quality. The thing was beautifully welded with good materials.


It was pretty cheap (scary too cheap) but have had zero issues with it and it cools like a beast.


Those Chinese can sure Tig weld I guess.