The auto radiators can be used in manual TJs without issue.

See if you can find a Nissens rad to compare price. They are an OEM manufacturer for several brands and the quality is excellent. They are the same type as Mopar rads, with single aluminium core and plastic tanks. I've had a Nissens rad in my TJ for nearly 12 years now.

 

Get another one of what you have now if Mopar isn't an option.

 

Summit has an all aluminum for $262.99. No plastic tanks to break...

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-384047

 

All aluminum never last.

 

GPI Racing has an all aluminum one for $160. They even make one for v8 swapped TJs. I have used their radiators in my drag cars without issue. I've had one in my 'Cuda for 7-8 years now, but then again none of the cars I have/had them in ever see winter road salt or mud and they have limited street use. Mishimoto makes one too, but for 3x the price....

GPI 52MM aluminum radiator FOR 1997-2006 JEEP WRANGLER TJ 2.4/2.5/4.0

Warranty: You will receive what's in the picture 1 year warranty against Manufacturing Defect. Description: 100% quality assurance tested ?Brand New. ? Fast shipping. ?Low Price Payment: Paypal only (please verify your paypal account) Shipping: We will ship the goods from CA and NJ which...

gpiracing.com

 

Most all moderately (or cheaply) priced all-aluminum radiators are shoddily constructed, so badly made that they'd leak like a sieve if their manufacturers didn't add a liquid epoxy lining inside the core. It'd be a pretty expensive all-aluminum radiator that didn't need the epoxy lining. Epoxy lining sounds like an ok idea but epoxy doesn't conduct heat worth a crap which negates most of an aluminum core's ability to extract heat leaving little reserve cooling capacity. And for only $160 you can bet it's one of the shoddily constructed types that don't last or don't cool well enough in tough conditions.

And in TJs, shoddy radiators don't last for another reason. The tub/radiator mounting area flexes enough to cause problems with radiators not designed to withstand such mounting area flex.

Personally, unless I was prepared to spend BIG $$$ for a high quality all aluminum radiator I'd pass an all aluminum radiator and try to find a Mopar. Mopar's has an all aluminum core which is constructed well enough to not need an epoxy liner.

 

Thanks all for the replies. I'm inclined to go with the auto trans version of the Mopar radiator or none at all. Trying to decide if I even want to replace at the radiator at the same time I do the water pump or just let it ride (if it aint broke dont fix it?). It's only 10 years old, not 20 years old like the rest of the jeep.

 

If it were me, I'd install a new water pump, new hoses, and a new thermostat (and housing as well if it's corroded inside). I'd rather buy those parts too early than too late and I prefer to set things up for sustainable success. I'd also flush the system to get contamination out of the system (including draining the block).

 

@Jerry Bransford - Thanks for the info. I sent a request off to Summit to inquire about their radiator to see if it has any sort of epoxy liner. They've apparently forwarded it to their R&D department. If they ever do respond, I'll post it here.

@DIYordie - Let me know if you find a source for genuine Mopar units. I've looked everywhere reputable, and no one has any stock.

 

I bought my last Mopar radiator from Summit a couple months ago to keep as a spare. Keep in mind if you have a manual transmission you can use either the version for a manual or automatic transmission, both work equally well for a Jeep with a manual transmission. Get your Mopar radiator p/n, leave off any final letters like AA or AB, etc., and Google it.

 

If you can find a Mopar I'd go with that, I put a Mopar in our old ZJ in 2010 and its been fine all this time.

old ZJ was easy to do, I have to do one on my '07 WK Hemi, not looking forward to that one, looks like a real pain.
at the same time I added the biggest B&M Supercooler trans cooler that would fit.

 

I have a 2004 TJ 4.0 w/manual transmission -- I'm going to add a contrary opinion: if you can find one, a true Mopar radiator will always be best. But I installed a Carquest brand replacement radiator from Advance Auto in September of 2017. Three years later (34,000 miles) later it developed a small pinhole leak. Easy pull and a free exchange at my local Advance Auto. A little over two year later (18,000 miles) and the replacement is still going strong. If it starts leaking next year, replacement is an easy process.

If you read the threads here, many people have consistent problems with all-aluminum radiators in our Jeeps. If you can find a real Mopar replacement, grab it. I have been happy with a locally available aftermarket radiator.

 

I am guessing a Denso on rockauto for less than 200 bucks

 

Be sure to buy a quality radiator.
I cheaped out and bought an autozone radiator many years ago. It has a lifetime warranty on it which is great…. Because I’m on my FOURTH one.