Best replacement radiator for the money today... (11 Viewers)

[katit]

That is exactly where my temperature ran, even after an OEM radiator and thermostat. Then the fan started making a lot of noise several months after the radiator/thermostat work. The fan clutch was stuck so I replaced it with an Aisin unit and the temperature now runs steady at 194/195. My hunch is the old fan clutch was over cooling.

Mine runs steady at 185 (85-86C) This is correct temp for thermostat I have. It is correct because I DID run without fan for couple of days and I saw temps climb up to 195-196 when in traffic but they would go back to 185 on highway. So, it's set per thermostat.

Not sure 194-195 you see is a good indication I would check your truck! There are 170F thermostats outhere for those who want to run even cooler. 185 is definitely where you want to be.

 

[ShenValley100LC]

So no one knows what the difference is between the CSF radiator on RockAuto vs Advance Auto?

 

[2001LC]

They may be the same, IDK!
But regardless, I just buy locally. I got tried of unpacking beat up radiators that were shipped to my door.

 

[Redbarn]

Fully agree with 2001LC. As a new owner, I ordered from the local Advance Auto.
I opened the box & checked the radiator in the store before accepting delivery.
Just ran 2500 miles over Thanksgiving with no issues.
On an item like a radiator, I would take no chances.

 

[Bryanl]

Two datapoints on radiators

99 LX replaced original radiator in 2010 at 228k miles with a CSF and have no issues after 10 years and another 100k miles. Didn't swap or use any foam on sides/top.

02 LX replaced original radiator 1/2020 at 152k miles with a CSF from rock (couldn't find local except for double the price). Yes there are a few bent fins but nothing thats going to impact the cooling. Swapped the side plates to use the foam on the sides and may put the one on the top. But honestly these aren't struggling to stay cool even in Texas. I road race and familiar with ducting a radiator. Heater tees and bad fan clutch are more of the issue.

 

[flintknapper]

99 LX replaced original radiator in 2010 at 228k miles with a CSF and have no issues after 10 years and another 100k miles. Didn't swap or use any foam on sides/top.

I replaced mine with a Spectra 4 years ago and its doing fine. I am in Texas...so lots of heat 8 months out of the year. I am of the opinion that any decently built radiator will perform well enough in the 100 series. The 2UZ-FE engine tends to run cool and is easy on oil when running properly. So longevity might be the only concern. So far...my radiator has held up fine.

I believe the 80 Series are much more sensitive to radiator design and material.

 

[mstakacs]

Got the Denso from Rockauto. Installed and had two leaks on drivers side immediately. Box looked like hell. I had them send another one to replace. Box was perfect. There is a pinhole leak at the neck. Frustrating. Both made in China.

 

[2001LC]

To many issue in this thread with Denso radiators. Could they be bootlegs?

 

[flintknapper]

To many issue in this thread with Denso radiators. Could they be bootlegs?

If so, been going on for awhile. I've had my Spectra in my LX for over 4 years and I can remember doing research before purchasing and folks having problems with the Denso Radiators back then (the reason I stayed away from them) .

 

[jhollander]

I just picked up a Spectra from Rockauto (delivered yesterday) based on the Denso feedback in this thread.

The box it arrived in was in great shape and definitely the thicker cardboard as it had staples and tape. Inspected the fins and look damn near perfect. Shipping was super fast (ordered Friday) delivered to Texas.

Will install this weekend and let you know if there are any issues with leaks.

 

[ShenValley100LC]

Got my CSF radiator delivered from Rock Auto, I figure the shipping risk was worth the $150 price difference between rockauto and pick up at advance auto. The packaging was very secure supported by foam moldings. Putting it on this weekend with Continental hoses, Zerex Asian coolant, and doing the timing belt/water pump, and drive belt components as well. I'll take some pics of the packaging for those curious. Finally replacing my old fan shroud now too. O, and clamps from McMasterCarr.
from Rock auto:

CSF​	3006	Radiator	$ 122.79​	$ 0.00​	1​	$ 122.79​
VALVOLINE​	675130	Coolant / Antifreeze	$ 10.69​	$ 0.00​	4​	$ 42.76​
Shipping​	Ground	$ 30.98​
Tax​		$ 8.78​
Order Total​		$ 205.31

Hoses from CarID:
Upper and Lower hose:

Continental® ContiTech™ 62745 - Elite™​

Continental® ContiTech™ 62563 - Elite™ Molded Radiator Hose​

Subtotal:​	$20.93​
Shipping:​	$11.24​
Tax:​	$1.11​
Total:​	$33.28​

That too me is pretty good option price wise. So about $250 for parts. I split TB/WP parts between Amazon and McGeorge toyota and got everything including pulleys, fan bracket, etc. for $550. So $800 to absolutely everything replaced from radiator through timing belt, I think thats not bad at all.

 

[FxFormat]

I've got a hairline crack in my OEM radiator, i need to replace it. Looking on Rock Auto for a CSF and looks like 98-2007 are all the same part number? Can anyone confirm this?

 

[FxFormat]

I do have an account with the local Toyota Dealership, i'll give them a call tomorrow and see how much the OEM ones are going for at cost. 2007 LC should be the same as the LX i assume.

 

[2001LC]

The one CSF fit's all years. Toyota has 2 OEM (T-Rads). One is Mexican spec the other USA spec. Both the same, just built to different environment standards! Mexican spec is ~$200 cheaper.

 

[FxFormat]

local advance has CSF for 150 at my cost, so i'll go with that. Put it through some stress test redlining and uphill climbing and see how it holds up, i need it to survive my trip out west this year.

 

[94SRUNNER]

I do have an account with the local Toyota Dealership, i'll give them a call tomorrow and see how much the OEM ones are going for at cost. 2007 LC should be the same as the LX i assume.

I’m curious what you local dealer quotes you.

 

[2001LC]

local advance has CSF for 150 at my cost, so i'll go with that. Put it through some stress test redlining and uphill climbing and see how it holds up, i need it to survive my trip out west this year.

$150 is a good price.

I've installed a few of these CSF. No issues whatsoever. I started using after my Wholesale Toyota parts guy, told me their Toyota Dealership shop uses on customer cars.

I just razor (very tight to radiator) off top foam, and glue to new CSF. Then swap side bracket from old which has foam.

I pre flush engine if any question on age or quality of old coolant. Then replace upper & low rad hoses, thermostat & gasket and rad cap.

 

[FxFormat]

Do you guys prerinse your radiator with distilled water before installing? Not sure how the manufacturing process is for them but i don't want any debris or aluminum shavings in there.

 

[94SRUNNER]

$150 is a good price.

I just razor (very tight to radiator) off top foam, and glue to new CSF. Then swap side bracket from old which has foam.

Have you tried using any aftermarket available foam rather than re-using the old OEM foam?

 

[94SRUNNER]

Do you guys prerinse your radiator with distilled water before installing? Not sure how the manufacturing process is for them but i don't want any debris or aluminum shavings in there.

This isn’t a bad precautionary measure. I’d imagine the factory performs a decon type rinse to remove any manufacturing remnants. But who knows?