Which Radiator: 2-Row Steel or 1 -Row Aluminum?

**roadking** · 09-14-2008, 10:17 PM

Well, I replaced my Thermostat and Fan Clutch and am still overheating, especially when under an load (AC on w/ Highway driving, or up mountain roads). It looks like I need to replace the radiator. I found several at radiatorexpress.com and/or radaitorbarn.com.

One has both metal and aluminum. I was told 3-rows don't work good in the desert (where I live), but what are your thoughts on the 2-row metal or 1-row aluminum here: http://www.radiatorexpress.com/part_lookup.asp

Thanks!

**roadking** · 09-14-2008, 10:20 PM

Sorry, I guess the link I copied has you put in all the info first. Here is a copy...let's see if this works.

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5 parts found for your 1997 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT:

Larger View 1997 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT - 4.0 liter L6 RADIATOR OEM Style Replacement
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Our Price: $110.00
List Price: $329.89 Add To Cart

Larger View 1997 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT - 4.0 liter L6 RADIATOR 2-Row All Metal Replacement
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Our Price: $165.00
List Price: $248.25 Add To Cart

Larger View 1997 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT - 4.0 liter L6 RADIATOR All Aluminum Replacement
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Our Price: $179.95
List Price: $330.00 Add To Cart

Larger View 1997 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT - 4.0 liter L6 RADIATOR w/Towing Package 3-Row Upgrade Replacement
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Our Price: $210.00
List Price: $385.00 Add To Cart

Larger View 1997 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT - 4.0 liter L6 RADIATOR 3-Row All Metal Chevy/Chrysler Conversion
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Our Price: $299.00
List Price: $385.00 Add To Cart

Tim · 09-14-2008, 10:45 PM

i went to rockauto.com and got an oem single core radiator for less than $150.00

i would stay away from steel...

jeepwcrazy · 09-14-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim

i went to rockauto.com and got an oem single core radiator for less than $150.00

i would stay away from steel...

Did your radiator come with the plastic top like the original? If it did then you just threw your money away, hopefully it takes a bit for it to fail again. I replaced mine the first time with a stocker but that was because it was still under warrenty. The whole idea when replacing the crappy stock radiator is to ensure you don't have to replace it again.

I went with the all metal one from radiatorbarn but I didn't know about that aluminum one from radiatorexpress.

Mark

imbezol · 09-14-2008, 11:11 PM

Neither. Go with a 2 core aluminum. I got mine at NAPA for a really decent price.

Some people recommend 3 core but in my opinion 2 core are more suited to Jeeping as they won't plug up as quickly.

Tim · 09-15-2008, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepwcrazy

Did your radiator come with the plastic top like the original? If it did then you just threw your money away, hopefully it takes a bit for it to fail again. I replaced mine the first time with a stocker but that was because it was still under warrenty. The whole idea when replacing the crappy stock radiator is to ensure you don't have to replace it again.

I went with the all metal one from radiatorbarn but I didn't know about that aluminum one from radiatorexpress.

Mark

really, my last one lasted me 11 years and over 100,000 miles. i think i will stay with what works good for me. btw: the last one did not fail, i figured 100k was plenty and just replaced it.

jeepwcrazy · 09-15-2008, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim

really, my last one lasted me 11 years and over 100,000 miles. i think i will stay with what works good for me. btw: the last one did not fail, i figured 100k was plenty and just replaced it.

Really, sorry to offend you. The stock radiator is a common problem with the TJ due to the the plastic top. My suggestion is to replace it with a better one when the chance arises. I'm on my 3rd radiator but the first time it was under warrenty and it didn't cost me anything so I didn't mind putting a stocker back in it. I am glad that you haven't had any problems with yours.

Mark

**roadking** · 09-15-2008, 01:16 AM

I checked NAPA and they told me all they had was a aluminum core w/ plastic outer radiator. I also just found a 2-row all aluminum from RadiatorUS.com. It's under $200 including shipping. Anyone know about their products?

Tim · 09-15-2008, 01:21 AM

no worries mark, i should have put a smiley in there. i know all about that problem from many years on the forums, but i havent seen it locally.

i don't think it is regonal

this new one may prove me wrong... believe me, if it turns inside out i will be allover the internet jeep boards about it. for now, it has been great for the past year or so.

**mrblaine** · 09-15-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim

i went to rockauto.com and got an oem single core radiator for less than $150.00

i would stay away from steel...

Have you ever seen a steel radiator?

**mrblaine** · 09-15-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepwcrazy

Did your radiator come with the plastic top like the original? If it did then you just threw your money away,

Don't let a bit of your own dissatisfaction color everyone else's good judgement. I use the factory 1 row aluminum radiators quite successfully in 3 rigs with no issues. And if for some reason they fail, I'll trot my butt right down to the dealer and get another one.

Quote:

hopefully it takes a bit for it to fail again. I replaced mine the first time with a stocker but that was because it was still under warrenty. The whole idea when replacing the crappy stock radiator is to ensure you don't have to replace it again.

I guess you missed the part where his only lasted 100,000 miles, eh?

Quote:

I went with the all metal one from radiatorbarn but I didn't know about that aluminum one from radiatorexpress.

Mark

Purchased two of their giant POS, they died quick and horrible deaths and radiator barn refused any sort of warranty. I had hoped to get new ones and sell them to folks like you. In the end, they went to the scrap pile.

**mrblaine** · 09-15-2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imbezol

Neither. Go with a 2 core aluminum. I got mine at NAPA for a really decent price.

Some people recommend 3 core but in my opinion 2 core are more suited to Jeeping as they won't plug up as quickly.

If a 2 clogs up less than a 3, then the 1 row must rule all?

**mrblaine** · 09-15-2008, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim

no worries mark, i should have put a smiley in there. i know all about that problem from many years on the forums, but i havent seen it locally.

i don't think it is regonal

this new one may prove me wrong... believe me, if it turns inside out i will be allover the internet jeep boards about it. for now, it has been great for the past year or so.

You have them at a distinct disadvantage. They think because you have 120 posts that you've only owned a rig for a little while and you don't know what you're talking about. I'd tell them you were a friend of mine, but then you get all kinds of grief.

Tim · 09-15-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrblaine

Have you ever seen a steel radiator?

that one is still a mythical beast i havent seen but read about every few days

Tim · 09-15-2008, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrblaine

You have them at a distinct disadvantage. They think because you have 120 posts that you've only owned a rig for a little while and you don't know what you're talking about. I'd tell them you were a friend of mine, but then you get all kinds of grief.

i guess the username change from one i have been employing steadily for the last nine years doesn't help my credibility either

i have spent more time reading here than posting unlike other forums, so i don't know if anyone would know me unless they travel to other boards than this