Radiator Woes

[henrymski]

So my radiator is toast, and the members of an 80 yahoogroup I'm on all said replacing with stock was the way to go. What do you guys think? Is there a heavy duty aftermarket radiator that is of high quality?
I do a lot of towing with my rig, and sometimes I tow things that are maybe a little too heavy, but usually I'm towing motorcycles and camping gear, and the like. I've never had overheating problems, btw.
thanks.

 

[alkaline747trio]

Aftermarket is crap. Go OEM.

 

[MTNRAT]

I would go with OEM. What year is your 80? Mine is a 97 and I put in the 94 3 row brass rad. Consenses seems to lean that way. I tow heavy (3500lb boat) to very heavy (6500lb bobcat) with no problems, and I am supercharged. Call Cdan for best price.
Cheers,
Sean

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I'm replacing mine this weekend, went with the 93/94 brass. I'm ballparking here, but I think list is around $600, CDan price is ~$450.

 

[cruiserman]

You're unlikely to get a different response here, since many of those folks post here as well.

 

[cary]

If you are going to go through the hassle of replacing it, why not do it right so you don't have to do it again. Your original radiator went 10+ years, there is no reason the replacement OEM radiator will not. For the price you can get one from Cdan, why even risk finding out how long a slightly cheaper aftermarket radiator will last?

 

[IdahoDoug]

Go 93/94 brass from Dan. It has plastic tanks like the newer model, but will last a lifetime if a ham fisted mechanic does not lean on it and physically damage it. My bro in law's lasted 290,000 before the top tank O ring leaked and it could be put back in service with $40 worth of parts. It's a great unit.

Lots of people throwing theirs away on this list not knowing it is just a large O ring that needs replacing.

DougM

 

[John E Davies]

Go 93/94 brass from Dan. It has plastic tanks like the newer model, but will last a lifetime if a ham fisted mechanic does not lean on it and physically damage it. My bro in law's lasted 290,000 before the top tank O ring leaked and it could be put back in service with $40 worth of parts. It's a great unit.

Lots of people throwing theirs away on this list not knowing it is just a large O ring that needs replacing.

DougM

Doug, can you explain how you get the plastic tank off to replace the o-ring? Does that have to be done in a radiator shop or can I do it in the boonies?

Thanks.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[Romer]

I used the 93-94 even though my rig is a 97. Was about $300 less. I also have seen posts from people who went aftermarket and had to change it out again.

 

[Jason Andrews]

My OEM rad lasted 10 years and the POS one I replaced it with 4 years ago is not doing the job now! In fact I am goin to Slee tomorrow to make sure its the radiator. I r&red the fan clutch and thermostat so Im pretty sure the radiator is crap. Do the Toyota like everyone else says, No question!

 

[henrymski]

Go 93/94 brass from Dan. It has plastic tanks like the newer model, but will last a lifetime if a ham fisted mechanic does not lean on it and physically damage it. My bro in law's lasted 290,000 before the top tank O ring leaked and it could be put back in service with $40 worth of parts. It's a great unit.

Lots of people throwing theirs away on this list not knowing it is just a large O ring that needs replacing.

DougM

My 80 is a 94. Does that mean I already have the plastic top that can be replaced? Guess I'll just have to look myself. and put in a call to Cdan. Thanks all.

 

[CJF]

can you explain how you get the plastic tank off to replace the o-ring?

Pretty sure it's outlined in the FSM...