Aluminium Radiator in a Jeep TJ

burrellsjeep

burrellsjeep

Breaking Stuff...
Joined
Nov 19, 2008
Location
Morganton NC
Looking for suggestions on Aluminium Radiators for a Jeep TJ.

Has anyone had any experience with certain brands?

I am also looking for suggestions on sites that you purchased from.

I am asking because I am seeing a pretty broad range in pricing for them, I am sure it is based on the quality of the product in most cases. Its for a 2.5 liter, so I am not wanting to over spend by getting one that is intended for a V8 swap or more than I need. I plan to install an electric fan and shroud as well.

Attached is an image as to why I am replacing the current one...
 

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Hey, that looks like the bottom of the stock one in my TJ! I replaced it with a cheap 3 core "heavy duty" brass one that never cooled sufficiently. Then I replaced it with a Novak aluminum "V8" radiator and have had no issues since. Fit, finish, function, and quality are all top notch. Had it since probably 2005ish, and it was $450 back then, but no regrets. These days I'd buy an ebay version aluminum TJ 2.5 radiator, especially for a 2.5L.
 
2.5 and 4.0 use the same radiator. Just buy a stock style one from Rock Auto. It'll last another 20 years, and cost 1/4 to 1/3 of what a solid aluminum one will.
 
Thanks for the replys, I was hesitant about Ebay. But I spoke with a local friend at a show and he referred me to an Ebay store, so I ordered one this morning.

Shawn - I hated the stock one when I had it, I swore if it died I would put an aluminum one in it. It leaked around the "crimped" edge at the top and corroded. But I do agree that it did its job as long as it could.

Nice to be back on the site, it has been a while, still wheeling a few times a year.
 
jeepinmatt said:
Hey, that looks like the bottom of the stock one in my TJ! I replaced it with a cheap 3 core "heavy duty" brass one that never cooled sufficiently. Then I replaced it with a Novak aluminum "V8" radiator and have had no issues since. Fit, finish, function, and quality are all top notch. Had it since probably 2005ish, and it was $450 back then, but no regrets. These days I'd buy an ebay version aluminum TJ 2.5 radiator, especially for a 2.5L.
Click to expand...
And thanks again @grapehead for the help with disassembly and storage. Hard to believe that was 14 years ago!
 
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I got an all aluminum radiator for my 4.0 TJ several years ago and have been happy. I think it was from 1-800-radiator. Wasn't much more than a stock unit, and no plastic. Delivery was quick too.
 
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