Recommendations on aftermarket radiators

[FJ40newmechanic]

Hi Guys:

Well I took my two used radiator candidates to a local radiator shop for testing, and both bubbled like an aquarium aerator. Quite the sight. Both test techs got a good laugh out of it. At least I know their status now. So what aftermarket radiators have a good track record in the FJ40 community? I hear don't get aluminum because they can't be repaired and only last a year or so. I have heard 4 row vs. 3 row. So what are you guys using when you can't get a radiator that will hold coolant? I have a 3/76 FJ40 with a 78 2F engine.

 

[65swb45]

Paging @beno. IMO, he’s the go-to for factory radiators.

 

[3_puppies]

why go aftermarket when new OEM units are available, the last 1 lasted 30-40 years. Kind of a no brainer.

 

[brian]

yeap something around 400 for a new oem rad.

 

[FJ40newmechanic]

I wasn't aware you could still get a OEM radiator. I will look into that.

 

[GA Architect]

OEM Radiator 16400-49356 > Click Here < or > here <

 

[65swb45]

...or you could support a MUD vendor.

 

[Ronthebiker]

Can’t go wrong with OEM but I’m gonna upgrade to this when my radiator gets tired Mishimoto MMRAD-LCR58X: Direct-Fit Aluminum Radiator | JEGS

 

[Phrog]

I put an OEM radiator in my 40 a few months back. Easy install, fit perfectly, high quality. No regrets.

 

[4x4veteran]

My stock four row radiator worked great with the six and later the V8 for about 16 years before it started leaking.
Had it rebuilt by a supposedly reputable shop but had leaking problems off and on for the next ten years or so.
I finally got a new three row and ran it for many years but had to keep an eye on temp as it just didn't cut it with the 350ci in the hills on hot summer days.
The three row is still in good shape and sitting in the box the new aluminum four row came in.
Did some reading on aluminum Vs brass and found pros and cons on both.
The the biggest con for aluminum is repairs.
I got pretty good at welding aluminum but hope I don't have to try an find out how good I am with that thin of stuff.
I have soldered up brass radiators but it takes a bigger torch than a spark-O-matic propane torch. Ask me how I know.
I guess my main reason for going aluminum was that it was a few dollars cheaper..
Not quite two years now and it has been doing the job very well.
The temp gage stays where it belongs on those hill and hot summer days.

 

[White Stripe]

Having a new core put in the old radiator should only cost around 200 bucks.

 

[Warloc]

4 core late model FJ40 keeps my newer 350 SBC cool. Why go aftermarket IMO.

 

[FJ40newmechanic]

Having a new core put in the old radiator should only cost around 200 bucks.

My two candidate radiators were leaking from both the core, and the upper and lower tanks. He showed me numerous cracks all over both radiators, and said they were completely shot, and weren't worth rebuilding. He wanted to order alternate parts and build me one to fit the radiator bracket using the candidate dimensions, and make it a 4 row, but wanted $427 to do it. Since doing some research based on comments that OEM radiators are still available, they look to be slightly cheaper even with shipping.

 

[brian]

don't ship a rad unless you absolutely must.
find a dealership and go there.

 

[White Stripe]

I have a champion 3 row, works well. 200 bucks on ebay.

 

[1969FJ]

Can’t go wrong with OEM but I’m gonna upgrade to this when my radiator gets tired Mishimoto MMRAD-LCR58X: Direct-Fit Aluminum Radiator | JEGS

This looks good but I wonder if it comes in 4 row. ? Also, it says lifetime warranty , and I wonder about that as well.

 

[Ronthebiker]

This looks good but I wonder if it comes in 4 row. ? Also, it says lifetime warranty , and I wonder about that as well.

Not sure if it comes in 4 row but there are pros and cons to a 4 row vs 3. And Mishimoto is a well known brand in the motorsports world so I would trust them.

Edit: here’s the link to it on Mishimoto’s website for more info (Jegs is $130 cheaper) https://www.mishimoto.com/toyota-land-cruiser-fj40-performance-aluminum-radiator-58-84.html

 

[FJ40newmechanic]

Went with a OEM radiator that showed up this past Friday. Also got new radiator support mounts to replace mine that were cut off by a previous owner for reasons unknown. Just need to drill out a few rivets and bolt on the new mounts and get it installed.