[harvinjeep]

Lets talk radiators that are currently on the market. I'm getting ready to do a PSC hydro assist setup, fenders and a few other things under the hood. While I'm refreshing some of the things, the radiator is on my list due to age and being the original one in my 2006 LJR. While I would like to replace with an OEM one, I'm unable to source one. Thoughts on what you are running, maybe know of an OEM one, or fair replacement for it?

 

[Norminator]

I guess I would consider an aftermarket plastic end cap radiator from a well known company as OEM. I’ve done unknown internet cheapest. I’ve done high end aluminum.

I came back to a plastic end cap radiator from a well known Jeep parts source. I didn’t experience any gain otherwise.

 

[inline6]

consider just having your stock one to a radiator shop to have them check it out and freshen it up. It's lasted this long, keep going. Most say the stock ones are better than the aftermarket.

 

[FLLJ]

@johncanfield has some experience with radiators.

 

[harvinjeep]

I guess I would consider an aftermarket plastic end cap radiator from a well known company as OEM. I’ve done unknown internet cheapest. I’ve done high end aluminum.

I came back to a plastic end cap radiator from a well known Jeep parts source. I didn’t experience any gain otherwise.

Leaning more on the plastic capped ones. Never had luck in the past with an aluminum one in a off-road rig

 

[harvinjeep]

consider just having your stock one to a radiator shop to have them check it out and freshen it up. It's lasted this long, keep going. Most say the stock ones are better than the aftermarket.

That's a good thought, I will check around and see if any of the shops will do it.

 

[johncanfield]

@johncanfield has some experience with radiators.

Indeed I do!

OEM all the way - don't go the aftermarket route.

 

[Mouse]

I agree the OEM is highest quality, but I replaced the OEM in my '04 approximately 10 years ago. I used a knock-off version of the OEM from Rockauto. It cost about $75 at the time. Still running that same radiator, no overheating issues (1 ton axles and 40 inch tires put a good load on the engine). So, my cheap replacement rad has outlasted the OEM.

I've been impressed with the aluminum radiator that I put in my '82 scrambler (last year). The previous radiator was a nice brass/copper unit, but even after taking it to a shop, it still would leak, so I decided to try the aluminum unit. It cools the small block chevy V8 very well. It wasn't cheap though, but I am hopeful to get long use out of it.

 

[DAA]

Finding a new Mopar replacement might be hard. I replaced mine about four or five months ago, just on GP based on age and miles. Googling for the Mopar replacement, most sites showed it not in stock, or when I added it to my cart I got the not available message.

I just started calling the 800 numbers on those sites. About the third one I called, guy said he had as not available on the website but said he actually did have two on the shelf and could ship me one immediately so I ordered it over the phone. But he did tell me that it was discontinued and he didn't expect to get anymore.

I think one might be found by making a lot of phone calls to dealers, but it might be a lot of effort to come up empty, too.

- DAA

 

[JKP]

Rockauto has MOPAR if you are willing to drop $380 on it.

 

[harvinjeep]

Rockauto has MOPAR if you are willing to drop $380 on it.

Dang that is steep compared to what they use to run.

Anyone know if the 55037652AC will replace the 55037652AA from the manuals? I can't remember if it was the AC that is capped and replaced both the AA and the AB. Anyone?? It might be work calling around several handfuls of the 800-mopar folks and seeing if anyone has one not on the web, and maybe a few dealers too. I would love to find one in my wholesale accounts, but no luck. Paying what seems like a mark-up stings more when you buy everything else at wholesale pricing

 

[JKP]

Yeah, that's a hundred more than I payed for the manual only MOPAR from RA a few yrs back. Edit: actually 200 more.

Yes, you can use the auto version in a manual. You just don't use the trans cooler in the bottom. Or, you could use it for a pwr steering cooler if you wanted.

 

[DAA]

I just looked up the receipt, I paid $230 for the manual version in September.

- DAA

 

[Norminator]

I have a friend that paid $1000 to replace one tail light on his truck, and HE’s FRUGAL!

Buy. Shed 10 seconds of tears, then don’t look back.

 

[harvinjeep]

Yeah, that's a hundred more than I payed for the manual only MOPAR from RA a few yrs back. Edit: actually 200 more.

Yes, you can use the auto version in a manual. You just don't use the trans cooler in the bottom. Or, you could use it for a pwr steering cooler if you wanted.

The steering cooler is a thought, but the PSC stuff is sitting here and I would rather keep it independent of each other. The CC is cap'ed out of the box, correct?

 

[Elwarpo]

Let me look, I might have one from my V8 swap. Where are you located?

 

[Norminator]

I have a friend that paid $1000 to replace one tail light on his truck, and HE’s FRUGAL!

Buy. Shed 10 seconds of tears, then don’t look back.

Pricing like this happens when you have taillights smarter than some vehicle ECMs, like safety censors and cameras. We should have stayed in Kansas Dorthy.

 

[harvinjeep]

Let me look, I might have one from my V8 swap. Where are you located?

Virginia

 

[Elwarpo]

Sorry went looking and I, gave it away.

 

[Bad Bob]

I just paid $150 at a radiator shop for a new radiator, oem style, oem not sure my wife ordered it. They said the plastic/aluminum while good while they last are throw away radiators as they are not worth the labor time to repair.