New radiator ideas

[Gregg]

I've read up on some aluminum vs copper core radiators and I'd like some help. My current stock radiator started leaking in one corner. The leak is minimal but with the new 97 explorer EFI, a new (clean) one seems pretty appealing. The stock radiator kept my temp in the 170 range most of time. I have all new hoses and it goes well with the shroud. My questions are: since the stock one fits and works well, should I just get the reproduction from Tom's? $199 plus shipping
http://www.tomsbroncoparts.com/product/ ... bronco-new

Or Should I go with this guy who has them in aluminum to fit? $215
http://denver.craigslist.org/ptd/4205350851.html

Or....I've heard an early 90s V6 explorer radiator fits and there's a crap ton at the salvage yards but there's a good portion of plastic in them. Plus I'd most likely have to change out my hoses and get it to fit. $50 plus new hoses and maybe a pressure flush $50.

Or maybe there's a better idea out there...

Thanks fellas.

I do run an external trans cooler for my C4.

[Moab Mike]

IMHO, I personally think you'd be better off with the Toms replacement. Aluminum seems to be less flexible (more brittle) and tends to leak more often.

[Rox Crusher]

IMHO, I personally think you'd be better off with the Toms replacement. Aluminum seems to be less flexible (more brittle) and tends to leak more often.

Yeah, what he said

[valentino]

save up and go 4 core.

[Kinder]

Check in w/ Landshark as well, he said his aluminum rad fins bent when he pressure washed his truck, YIKES!

[Viperwolf1]

I would go with a new, lifetime warranty explorer radiator for $130. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/ ... 277%2C5281

[landshark]

i would go with a direct drop in replacement...

the 69 has an aluminum radiator and it did get all gnarled up from the pressure washer.. i had to hand bend each fin back into place but still a mess.. oppps... other than that so far it has been fine, seems to cool good, no leaks and no other problems but haven't had it long.

The 76 still has the original radiator, took it in to get flushed and pressure tested before I put it back into the Bronco and it has been great.

[Gregg]

I'm leaning towards the oem direct drop in unless the 94 Explorer radiator performs better. The cost will be about the same (once I get new hoses, backets...) but the oem "drop in" has less of a chance for me to mess it up.

Both have the auto trans cooler ports. Which do you think works better? The external or the internal.

Thanks.

[landshark]

I'm leaning towards the oem direct drop in unless the 94 Explorer radiator performs better. The cost will be about the same (once I get new hoses, backets...) but the oem "drop in" has less of a chance for me to mess it up.

Both have the auto trans cooler ports. Which do you think works better? The external or the internal.

Thanks.

if i was in your shoes I would go with OEM with external cooler with a thermo fan. I have an auto on the 76 and using the stock in radiator trans cooler... but i don't drive it so much... if i was wheeling or DD it i would go with an external as well.

Thats just me..

[Viperwolf1]

I'm leaning towards the oem direct drop in unless the 94 Explorer radiator performs better. The cost will be about the same (once I get new hoses, backets...) but the oem "drop in" has less of a chance for me to mess it up.

Both have the auto trans cooler ports. Which do you think works better? The external or the internal.

Thanks.

I don't know if it performs better. Casadejohnson is running one. The big benefit of it is it's cheap and has a lifetime warranty. I'm going to try one for my next radiator.

Internal coolers work well if the radiator can handle the engine heat well. You can also use both in series. I wouldn't rely on the internal cooler only for hard use. Note the explorer radiator has the trans ports on the opposite side because of the reversed flow. It can alternatively be used to cool the PS fluid.

[Justin]

The major perk of using the internal cooler for the trans is that it can help keep your trans oil up to temp in cold weather. Not really a major issue, but it allow tighter control of trans temps overall since they become tied to engine temp. It'd really only be a benefit if you're DDing it, as most of us don't drive our rigs that much when it's cold out. I'd be tempted to try the internal cooler and reinstall the external one if you have issues. Re: which radiator, I'd vote for a stock copper/brass radiator as well. I don't like the idea of plastic tanks, as I've seen them leak. I've got an aluminum one on my Bronco because it was really cheap when I needed to replace my old one. They're less durable in the long run, can't be easily repaired, and need a sacrificial anode to prevent electrolysis.

[Gregg]

I found this one at Adv Auto with no shipping and all the goofy discounts. Yeah, it only has a one year warranty, but I like that I wont have to change anything else.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp ... m=radiator
Last call for any other suggestions. Cuz if this doesnt work out, it's all your faults.

Next time I see Casades rig, I'll pick his brain.

[Justin]

That looks like a good option.

[Gregg]

Funny I found this thread.....

I got the CarQuest Premium Radiator #433521 and it worked great for 9 years. I was hoping to get another one and pop it in for another 9 years but they don't make it and Adv Auto can't find a suitable replacement. So, back here to post up for your advise.

What I had:
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/car ... /3902587-P
Notice the cap and trans hoses are on the Passenger side

The 94 explorer has the cap and trans hoses on the driver side:
https://www.autozone.com/cooling-heatin ... /22297_0_0
Is this my best option and have to dig up part numbers for radiator hoses?

Thanks,
Blast from the past Gregg

[Rox Crusher]

Howdy stranger

I have been running one of the Explorer radiators with the plastic end tanks for several years now without any problems. It even survived our long trip from Denver to La Paz Baja which included some extended high speed dirtroads (vibration) and of course the rock crawling twisting / turning.

That's my vote!

[Gregg]

Does anyone have part numbers for the radiator hoses I'll hafta get?
-I've got the oil cooler to work with.