Best replacement radiator for the money today... (9 Viewers)

[2001LC]

It's going back. If I get a chance in morning to pull from shipping box I get some pictures. Bottom line; it should work with OEM lower hose. Also the casting valley on outlet, even with smaller hose could become issue some very hot summer day. I say this because it only leaks once at operating temp now.

 

[abuck99]

Did you happen to come across the orange mfg sticker anywhere on the radiator?

 

[97 AZ LC]

I just did a Spectra Premium from RockAuto on a 1998 LX, which is a CU2282. Everything is fine, no installation problems, no leaks. I used new Gates hoses from Amazon (upper: #21660, $12 / lower: #22491, $15) and they fit snugly and clamped up just fine with the original clamps. I was replacing the original radiator of 20 years and 190k miles. It was my third Spectra Premium, first on a 100 series, and they have all been great.

 

[flintknapper]

I just did a Spectra Premium from RockAuto on a 1998 LX, which is a CU2282. Everything is fine, no installation problems, no leaks. I used new Gates hoses from Amazon (upper: #21660, $12 / lower: #22491, $15) and they fit snugly and clamped up just fine with the original clamps. I was replacing the original radiator of 20 years and 190k miles. It was my third Spectra Premium, first on a 100 series, and they have all been great.

^^^^^ Same.

I replaced the OEM on my 99 LX with a Spectra CU2282. Also used new hoses from NAPA (don't remember if they were Gates or not). They fit just fine and I've had no leaks. I had a thermostat fail recently and the system boiled over just as my wife was pulling up to work (a 20 mile trip). The radiator was no worse for the wear.

I replaced the 'stuck' thermostat (which was OEM by the way) refilled with coolant and all has been well. The radiator is not quite two years old...so we will see how it holds up. I did a lot of research before purchasing it and I am confident it will continue to give good service.

 

[2001LC]

Here's your picture @abuck99 only sticker.

I see you all like the Spectra, and all use aftermarket lower hose(s). I'm doing this for someone that one day will likely end-up at a Toyota Dealer's shop. My concern is Dealer puts on OEM hose, it leaks, then they say needs a new Radiator. But regardless after two from Amazon that had shipping damage and both with casting mark making a valley (V) in water outlet pipe, I'm moving on.

 

[2001LC]

Did you happen to come across the orange mfg sticker anywhere on the radiator?

View attachment 1700889

So NO orange mfg sticker.

Your orange sticker states made in China. "China" so what's up with that!
Are we dealing with bootlegs?
Is Spectra made in China or Indonesia???

 

[abuck99]

Here's your picture @abuck99 only sticker.
View attachment 1701508

View attachment 1701516

Thanks Paul- that sticker is different from the one on my radiator- which is different from the one Spectra asked for when I dialoged with them on the issues regarding the inlet/outlet variances. They must have more than one vendor in Indonesia making radiators.

So NO orange mfg sticker.

Your orange sticker states made in China. "China" so what's up with that!
Are we dealing with bootlegs?
Is Spectra made in China or Indonesia???

When I was providing feedback to Spectra on the variances I experienced between the OEM and CU2755 radiator they asked me to send a picture of the "orange sticker"- I said "what orange sticker?" since my radiator didn't have one- anywhere. What I posted was an example of a production sticker that Spectra sent me as a reference to look for. They indicate that all their radiators have this Orange sticker. Seems neither yours nor mine have them.

Keep in mind if you look at the model number, that sticker has no reference to the CU2755 (its a reference image). According to the tech I spoke to at Spectra, all of the CU2755 are only made in Indonesia. The CU2282 are made in China, and also 4 other countries.

As for counterfeits, at this price point and volume expectation, I don't see why anyone would try to bootleg a Spectra radiator; its nothing special and it is not worth copying for such low production numbers of 100 series trucks between 2003 & 2007. There are 1/2 dozen different brands offering a radiator replacement for 100 series. There can't be a significant amount of profit for counterfeit. Now based on the price of an OEM radiator which is 3x more expensive than the nearest aftermarket option, I could see someone counterfeiting an OEM radiator.

 

[PADDO]

Post Spectra CU2755 install update:

It's been a week since the radiator install. I've been enjoying watching the cooler running temps on my scanguage- about 8-10 degrees cooler than the original that came out. The only hiccup so far was a small drip from the lower hose outlet. I had used a new hose (Toyota) but reused the spring clamp. I noticed a few days ago that there was a small drip coming from the end of the hose where it meets the radiator. I moved the clamp to a few different positions, and closer in towards the radiator but it the drip persisted. So I drained the tank and pulled the hose to have a look at the outlet. I measured the outlet (OD 41.10mm) against the OEM outlet (OD 42.65mm) just enough space for coolant to seep by. So approximately 1.5mm smaller OD on the Spectra outlet. For reference, the Toyota hose was ID 42mm. So the larger hose, on the smaller outlet with the used spring clamp yielded a small drip. I could have put an adjustable clamp on but that was a last resort- I don't have a proper cooling hose adj. clamp ( type with rolled edges for rubber hose) and I really prefer the Toyota spring clamps.

I had another new (non oem) hose on hand: Continental Elite #62745. I bought it a few months ago for something like $8 on that RockAuto close out deal- couldn't pass up that price and figured I might need that someday. I dug it out of my spares box and had a look to see if it might have a smaller ID by chance. Sure enough ID was approx 40mm, so 1mm less than the outlet. The Conti hose also has a greater wall thickness than the Toyota hose (6.5mm vs 4mm) more heavy duty. I also brought out the new spring clamps I bought ( I should have installed from the beginning) and used those this time around. Refilled and burped the radiator ran it for an hour- no drips over night and ran it today and so far so good. Hopefully that solves it.

Recap: Spectra Lower outlet OD is smaller than OEM by -1.5mm and may leak. If you are reusing old hose chances are it will leak. If your are using a new OEM Toyota hose, it will probably leak. The Continental Elite has a better fit then oem hose & probably stronger as its thicker rubber. I also suggest new spring clamps. Or you can just use adjustable clamps if thats your preference. FWIW the Conti hose is $12.33 on RA. https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1333970&jsn=6

Another data point for the Spectra CU 2755. Echoing @abuck99 observations regarding the Spectras smaller OD outlet and leakage with the OEM lower hose. I tried using a newish (less than 2k Miles) OEM lower hose w original old clamp and it leaked badly. Fitted a new Gates hose which had a slightly better ID fit but same wall thickness as the OEM hose with original old clamp and it leaked slightly. I couldn’t source the thicker walled Continental Elite hose locally on a Saturday morning which would have been my preference. Then fitted a Breeze constant tension clamp and no leak, all good.

My takeaway from this thread and personal experience is if you install the Spectra CU2755 ($203 delivered) then expect leakage with OEM lower hoses. You’ll need a new lower hose with slightly smaller ID, preferably the Continental Elite or Gates will suffice, and a new constant tension clamp. A new OEM constant tension clamp with a new Gates hose might be satisfactory. I settled on a Breeze #5281K18 constant tension from McMaster Carr and a new Gates hose. Otherwise the Spectra radiator mounts up nicely with the OEM side brackets transferred over.

 

[abuck99]

Another data point for the Spectra CU 2755. Echoing @abuck99 observations regarding the Spectras smaller OD outlet and leakage with the OEM lower hose. I tried using a newish (less than 2k Miles) OEM lower hose w original old clamp and it leaked badly. Fitted a new Gates hose which had a slightly better ID fit but same wall thickness as the OEM hose with original old clamp and it leaked slightly. I couldn’t source the thicker walled Continental Elite hose locally on a Saturday morning which would have been my preference. Then fitted a Breeze constant tension clamp and no leak, all good.

My takeaway from this thread and personal experience is if you install the Spectra CU2755 ($203 delivered) then expect leakage with OEM lower hoses. You’ll need a new lower hose with slightly smaller ID, preferably the Continental Elite or Gates will suffice, and a new constant tension clamp. A new OEM constant tension clamp with a new Gates hose might be satisfactory. I settled on a Breeze #5281K18 constant tension from McMaster Carr and a new Gates hose. Otherwise the Spectra radiator mounts up nicely with the OEM side brackets transferred over.

Glad to know you sorted through this. I had contacted Spectra directly back in March when I installed mine about the outlet size variance & leak and they weren't too responsive. We're talking less than 2mm variance in circumference, but its enough to provide a pathway to weep past a new OEM tension clamp and new oem hose. Even with a new oem clamp and the Conti hose it weeped a little but then stopped a few days later. So far 4k+ mile trip last month and no leaking.

 

[2001LC]

After trying/returning two Spectra's I went with a CSF. It too had a smaller OD on lower, but casting marks were at a different position (180 deg) and did not had the valley/channel within casting marks. The only reason I did not use OEM, is reports here of (some) being defective. But could the OEM's have been a bad install or bad hoses, or just fluke of the time IDK.

CSF leaked too, but by using a new OEM lower hose along with the old factory clamps leak stopped. I went with the CSF as it's what my local Toyota Dealer was also using for customer vehicles and they typically replace hose(s) at same time. (They used a cheaper aftermarket for their used car lot repairs.) I did not want to use non OEM hose and clamp to stop a leak, so would have gone OEM rad if leak had persisted.

My Toyota parts guy said they almost never order OEM radiators, just to pricy for most customers. He order me the Mexican spec OEM just so I could get a look at it. It looks just like our factory installed and has the foam attached (sweet). The difference between Mexican, US or Canadian spec is environmental certification. They may or may not attactual have difference in metals and manufacture process to meet each counties laws. Note: 2006-07 thermostat is twice the price of the older thermostats, they both look and perform the same. Difference is in manufacturing processes to meet 2005 USA environment standards to remove pollutants..

OD of goose necks:

Measurements are difficult to get an accurate read of, as plastic varies in roundness. The new OEM did seem to be a little turer/rounder and thicker plastic. Also used rads, may have swollen some from absorption of coolant and in my example below from overheating. But lower and small outlet for reservoir of CSF & Spectra did have smaller OD's.

IMHO the valley (channel) in casting markes of the Spectra was the biggest issue causing the leak.

Radiator, OEM factory out of 07 LC overheated.

42.06mm OD Lower

38.19mm OD upper

10.015mm OD Transmission cooler inlet/outlet

Mexican spec:

41.93mm Lower

37.74mm Upper

CSF:

41.00mm OD Lower

38.00mm OD upper


OEM Mexican

 

[afa]

2001 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 4.7L V8 Radiator | RockAuto

Looks like RockAuto is showing an all aluminum radiator for the LC100 series. Anyone have any background info on this company? It doesn't look like there is a picture of the radiator itself. Not sure if these are the same chinese radiators from ebay/amazon.

 

[afa]

Here's a screenshot.

 

[abuck99]

Here's a screenshot.

View attachment 1823579

A little google gets you a long way:Radiators – Liland Global

Challenge will be if it is a “perfect” fit: does the fan shroud fit, will the overflow bottle fit, will the mounting holes line up, will the trans cooler inlet/outlet be in the right place.... Only one way to find out: buy it and try it.

 

[jerryb]

somehow I poked a hole in my radiator with one tool or another doing the water pump, belt, etc. Probably around the time I installed the fan bracket for the second time, or alternator rebuild in and out.
Very much irritated with myself for not just taking the time to remove the radiator for all of it in the first place.

I did get quotes from napa, who would take a day to get a spectra, and a week to get a denso, both for outrageous money.
Advance who said, no we don't have one.
Oreillys said they'd have to call me back.
I wanted one in one day but not at double the cost. So it sat for 5 extra days.

this is my second spectra, both from amazon, who don't understand shipping a radiator. Like it's been said, there is something to be said for just paying up and getting a radiator locally, damn the cost.

I'm through with getting radiators from amazon though. The side panels have been bent in a tiny amount on both of mine.

I still used both and they both were/are fine. The panels get pulled back when you screw in the side brackets into the outside frame.
I reused hoses and clamps. Seems fine, they were all new in june 2017, Don't forget, of the four big hose clamps, the bottom one on the radiator side is bigger than the other three. I've not had the leak issue, but if I did I would swap one of the other three clamps with the bigger lower one.
I'm going to tear down the old spectra and have a look sometime to see where I dinged it. That's my rant for the day, 5 days actually.

 

[abuck99]

somehow I poked a hole in my radiator with one tool or another doing the water pump, belt, etc. Probably around the time I installed the fan bracket for the second time, or alternator rebuild in and out.
Very much irritated with myself for not just taking the time to remove the radiator for all of it in the first place.

I did get quotes from napa, who would take a day to get a spectra, and a week to get a denso, both for outrageous money.
Advance who said, no we don't have one.
Oreillys said they'd have to call me back.
I wanted one in one day but not at double the cost. So it sat for 5 extra days.

this is my second spectra, both from amazon, who don't understand shipping a radiator. Like it's been said, there is something to be said for just paying up and getting a radiator locally, damn the cost.

I'm through with getting radiators from amazon though. The side panels have been bent in a tiny amount on both of mine.

I still used both and they both were/are fine. The panels get pulled back when you screw in the side brackets into the outside frame.
I reused hoses and clamps. Seems fine, they were all new in june 2017, Don't forget, of the four big hose clamps, the bottom one on the radiator side is bigger than the other three. I've not had the leak issue, but if I did I would swap one of the other three clamps with the bigger lower one.
I'm going to tear down the old spectra and have a look sometime to see where I dinged it. That's my rant for the day, 5 days actually.

Yeah napa has ridiculous retail pricing. Maybe their wholesale/trade pricing is more competitive but there are no deals buying over the counter.

Another option for the spectra:
I bought my spectra online through Pepboys and had it shipped to a store near me. This way I could inspect and refuse on the spot if there was any shipping damage. I think I paid around $180. The other benefit is limited lifetime warranty backed by pepboys.

Be aware that the spectra has some potential for leaking at the outlet- A) its slightly smaller than the oem radiator and oem hose will not be a snug fit. Youll need a thicker hose(continental) and even with new oem tension clamps it might leak B) due a casting seam in the outlet pipe the coolant seeps past, travels along-sort of a capillary effect. Its not a lot of coolant lost more of an annoyance.

 

[jerryb]

ya, this is my second spectra, I realize that. Thanks for the pep boys idea. That's probably the best way to get one.


..bigger than the other three. I've not had the leak issue, but if I did I would swap one of the other three clamps with the bigger lower one..

 

[deltapine1]

187K and the Hundy's radiator is leaking. Picked up a Koyo today and will be installing it tonight with new upper and lower Gates hoses. The Koyo looks like a nice quality part. It was in stock locally so no shipping time or damage to worry about. Cost was $118. OEM from local Toyota dealer was $335 with my discount and 2 days. This rig will be back on the road tomorrow morning.

The Koyo HD2282 is a quality part. I installed it yesterday. I removed the metal side braces and mounts from the stock Toyota radiator and installed them on the Koyo. The side pieces of foam are glued on these so it prevented me from having to cut off or reglue these. I trimmed the top foam off the stock radiator and glued it on the Koyo with contact cement.

The Koyo HD2282 is a two core radiator like the stock, however, the vertical tubes are split into two on the Koyo. The fin count is higher on the stock radiator.

Here is the most important part. This Hundy has 187k miles on it. It has been very well maintained. Never operated in Death Valley or overheated. The radiator had been leaking at the upper tank gaskets for sometime as was evident by a dried crusty deposit at the tank to core crimp. It is interesting to note the leak was present in an area of the tank to core seal where the fan shroud had heavily abraided the aluminum core crimp.

June 28, 2019 - The Hundy now has 195K miles on it so the radiator has operated for about 8K miles without issue. Ambient temperature here is in the mid 90's and humid so the A/C is always on. No complaints on the Koyo HD2282 to date.

 

[arcteryx]

I bought this 100 with a slow rad leak and have been putting off the replacement. I finally got to it and replaced mine with a CSF. I did get a damaged one initially. The second arrived with no problems. The fit is good and there are no issues with it. CSFs have been in a majority of the trucks I have parted. I also replaced the hoses with some new Gates, all fit well. This is definitely the easiest rad to swap on a cruiser.

Also, my alternator went out which was the catalyst to do the rad. This was also very easy and with the rad out it made the new Denso alternator a breeze to replace. FYI for those who like to do some PM. The alternators are pretty cheap so it makes sense to be proactive IMO.

 

[2001LC]

Update:

I too have found the CSF (I buy locally) a perfect fit and have had zero issues with them to-date.

They were originally recommend to me by my local Toyota Dealership parts guy. The OEMs are a faster install, since side brackets/foam and top foam don't need swapping and gluing. Other than that they are a near perfect fit. I do replace upper and lower hose with OEM at same time. I also file down any casting marks on goose necks before install.

We've two option in the OEM: US spec and Mexican spec. I've looked at the Mexican spec and can't find any visible difference from US spec. It's my understand in the US manufacturing process they must meet certain EPA standards.

We see this with other parts as well, where like in May 06-07 model thermostat are twice the cost of earlier ones. They are the same, except for the process in manufacturing eliminating some heavy metal.

IMO It's a good idea to replace thermostat and cap at same time.

 

[mdcoa]

Radiator question: Toyota records show the PO has the original radiator repaired...no indication of the type of damage that was repaired, and I was surprised to read of someone even bothering with a repair in this era...
Thoughts on whether I should replace it preemptively next time I’m due for a coolant change?