Replacement radiator for LJ78 2LTE

[nomadtribe]

I love working on my LJ78, but lately it has been more in the workshop than its natural habitat

My current radiator (aftermarket) has an issue with the drain plug. I have replaced the o-ring and added some threadseal tape, but it was still leaking like crazy. I ended up adding 2 o-rings and that helped a little, but still dripping.

Also, the bottom outlet pipe is just 15mm away from the power steering pump pully and has been dangling there when I bought the truck. Not ideal and the old pipe had some cut marks in it. I have replaced the pipes, but still cautious. As per the LJ78 diagrams, both pipes should be on the passenger side.

I reached out to a local New Zealand shop today and the service was awesome! However they can only source a direct fit copper radiator and my preference is aluminum.

The only alternative I could find was the one in the link, but not sure about the manufacturer. There are good and bad reviews on these radiators: FOR Toyota Land Cruiser LJ70/71/73/77/78 2LTE 2.4TD 90-93 AT aluminium radiator | eBay - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/274288432359?hash=item3fdcdd54e7:g:Q~4AAOSwHr1eV9k2&frcectupt=true

Any suggestions on alternatives for a compatible aluminum radiator where both pipes are on the passenger side?

Your wisdom will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Waikato Willy]

in my experience with aluminium radiators , they are good for the odd track car , bush truck but for durability you cant beat the copper/brass combo-heck these will last the life of vehicle if properly maintained, i have no end of leaks with my crap aluminium radiator, I've almost given up welding up all the holes that keep appearing, I'm replacing it soon with the factory plastic tank radiator
my near 40 year holden still runs the factory untouched brass/copper radiator and the car gets a lot of track use
the factory radiator should have no issues cooling down the motor no matter what load its under

 

[nomadtribe]

in my experience with aluminium radiators , they are good for the odd track car , bush truck but for durability you cant beat the copper/brass combo-heck these will last the life of vehicle if properly maintained, i have no end of leaks with my crap aluminium radiator, I've almost given up welding up all the holes that keep appearing, I'm replacing it soon with the factory plastic tank radiator
my near 40 year holden still runs the factory untouched brass/copper radiator and the car gets a lot of track use
the factory radiator should have no issues cooling down the motor no matter what load its under

Thank you. I have decided to go with the copper radiator.

 

[sgfonline]

in my experience with aluminium radiators , they are good for the odd track car , bush truck but for durability you cant beat the copper/brass combo-heck these will last the life of vehicle if properly maintained, i have no end of leaks with my crap aluminium radiator, I've almost given up welding up all the holes that keep appearing, I'm replacing it soon with the factory plastic tank radiator
my near 40 year holden still runs the factory untouched brass/copper radiator and the car gets a lot of track use
the factory radiator should have no issues cooling down the motor no matter what load its under

Hey, do you have a resource for where to buy a copper/brass radiator? Mine just blew in my 1991 lj78. Only thing i can find is an aluminum oem one from ebay and i'm debating if i want to pay the huge shipping cost (i am in america)

 

[Dprio34]

@sgfonline , personally I think this aluminum / brass argument is all personal preference. I believe the Toyota OEM is available if you want to pony up the money. I had the local radiator shop redo my brass core for about $250 about 7 years back. Bring them your old radiator and they should be able to braze in a new core inside the OEM frame. They have to be professional otherwise the shroud may not line up exactly. If that is something that concerns you. It did concern me and had to have it re-done.

That said, I took a chance on a Chinese Aluminum Radiator for about $150 bucks about 5 years ago, and it hasn't missed a beat. I've driven it from Vegas to the Olympic Peninsula and down to Guatemala and back to Vegas and up and down the PCH several times. I've never had an issue with it.

Again, this argument is sort of like LED Headlights vs halogen, what is the best battery, or best tire/rim combo. Just personal preference really. IMO. Again, any decent Radiator Shop should be able to re-core what you have if you have your heart set on brass.

 

[AirheadNut]

I've got a cheap aluminum radiator in mine, been going strong for a few years now. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how good the fitment was considering the price (around $150 at the time).