Radiator advice please!!

[DK450LX]

Well it looks like the radiator the the Lexus is leaking. Rather than keep this old radiator I wanted to get a brand new one. Should I go with OEM or aftermarket? if you had to get a new radiator what radiator would you choose? I'm open to spending more knowing it's a top of the line radiator

Thanks

 

[half k cruiser]

I'm open to spending more knowing it's a top of the line radiator

Thanks

I think you just answered your own question. I have debated the same thing. You can get them much cheaper than OEM, but the OEM has held up a damn long time.

 

[sbman]

I don't know what they cost but I know a few guys here are running full aluminum creations from Ron Davis:

aluminum radiator picture gallery from Ron Davis aluminum radiators

Durability wise, they look really good, no plastic tanks to heat cycle and wear out over time. If I was looking for a top-quality replacement, this would be my choice from what I've read/seen.

 

[BILT4ME]

I think the Ron Davis units are in the $700 range. The OEM for your truck is $345 from @cruiserdan plus freight. Order all the hoses from him as well and make sure you do your AHH hoses by the firewall, the PHH (left lower block), the rear heater hoses, and probably the heater valve on the firewall while you're at it. Also new Thermostat (with gasket) (OEM only).

I did all this last November and did multiple flushes with distilled water and no thermostat to clean out the system. I chose to fill with Toyota Red, but you can choose green if you like, just always use the same.

Don't forget to purge all the air out of the system.

 

[ranma21]

If I were you I will go for OEM, no doubt and piece of mind is priceless. Mine is still working great, but I am planning to replace a new Genuine one as preventive maintenance. Beno or Cdan will be able to get you one with great price.

 

[scottryana]

No the RD rads are $900+

I think the Ron Davis units are in the $700 range. The OEM for your truck is $345 from @cruiserdan plus freight. Order all the hoses from him as well and make sure you do your AHH hoses by the firewall, the PHH (left lower block), the rear heater hoses, and probably the heater valve on the firewall while you're at it. Also new Thermostat (with gasket) (OEM only).

I did all this last November and did multiple flushes with distilled water and no thermostat to clean out the system. I chose to fill with Toyota Red, but you can choose green if you like, just always use the same.

Don't forget to purge all the air out of the system.

 

[musthave]

I just bought an OEM one on Monday, only way to go. It lasted 15+ years, why would I change to something different? Go OEM

 

[ranma21]

I just bought an OEM one on Monday, only way to go. It lasted 15+ years, why would I change to something different? Go OEM

Can't agree more!

 

[dogfishlake]

I just got a Koyo radiator from Amazon.com. $227 and free shipping. Got it in one day. Koyo is Japanese, very nice quality, not sure but I thought they are the oem supplier. Also it came packaged very well and in perfect shape. I'm all about factory parts but I couldn't pass on this one

 

[dogfishlake]

Got all my other stuff from @beno . Factory toyota

 

[Dave 2000]

Look at the picture of my OEM rad after around 16 years, post #47, still cooled the motor and did not leak.

That is not blocked BTW, it is the remainder of the fins between the tubes.


My LC 80 thread.



regards

Dave

 

[half k cruiser]

I just got a Koyo radiator from Amazon.com. $227 and free shipping. Got it in one day. Koyo is Japanese, very nice quality, not sure but I thought they are the oem supplier. Also it came packaged very well and in perfect shape. I'm all about factory parts but I couldn't pass on this one

I don't think they are made in Japan. It probably says made in china or Indonesia on the packaging if you look.

 

[LFD2037]

I just got a Koyo radiator from Amazon.com. $227 and free shipping. Got it in one day. Koyo is Japanese, very nice quality, not sure but I thought they are the oem supplier.

Though it is a quality unit, Koyo was never the maker/supplier for the Land Cruiser (always has been Toyota radiator or TRAD). And although Koyo is based out of Japan, your radiator is not. It's either from Indonesia or China.
From Koyo:

1. OE Aftermarket Plastic Tanks/Aluminum Cores (most common)
   Design: Japan and China
   Manufacturing: Indonesia and China
2. OE Aftermarket All Aluminum (Toyota Sienna, Lexus RX, etc)
   Design: Japan
   Manufactured: Indonesia or China
3. OE Aftermarket Copper / Brass (select vehicles)
   Design: Japan
   Manufacturing: Indonesia
4. Racing All Aluminum Radiators (select performance vehicles)
   Design: Japan and Indonesia
   Manufacturing: Japan and Indonesia

 

[vbcrush]

Have had a Koyo for 9 years now without a problem.

 

[Dave 2000]

Koyo IIRC supply all bearing to Toyota? I know nothing about their radiators?

regards

Dave

 

[dogfishlake]

Though it is a quality unit, Koyo was never the maker/supplier for the Land Cruiser (always has been Toyota radiator or TRAD). And although Koyo is based out of Japan, your radiator is not. It's either from Indonesia or China.
From Koyo:

1. OE Aftermarket Plastic Tanks/Aluminum Cores (most common)
   Design: Japan and China
   Manufacturing: Indonesia and China
2. OE Aftermarket All Aluminum (Toyota Sienna, Lexus RX, etc)
   Design: Japan
   Manufactured: Indonesia or China
3. OE Aftermarket Copper / Brass (select vehicles)
   Design: Japan
   Manufacturing: Indonesia
4. Racing All Aluminum Radiators (select performance vehicles)
   Design: Japan and Indonesia
   Manufacturing: Japan and Indonesia

Good info thanks, makes a Toyota radiator look pretty good. As nice as this Koyo is, I'm not the least bit worried about it though. That being said, for me this is short term as I think a custom aluminum radiator is in my (hopefully near) future.

 

[ranma21]

Koyo rad in general make good quality radiator. Mostly made in Indonesia. Do not confuse with Koyo and Koyorad, they are 2 different company. One specialize in bearing and one just radiator.

KOYO
JTEKT North America Corporation

Koyorad
KOYORAD.COM - The Leader in Aftermarket OE Replacement Radiators