Replacement Radiator Recommendations (1 Viewer)

[Johnnie]

Koyo brand radiator on my '98 is leaking where the plastic tank attaches to the radiator body. P.O. installed the radiator and it's around a year old. I don't want to buy another Koyo brand radiator. Amazon and RockAuto both have Denso and Spectra brands. Amazon has a TYC, which got lots of negative reviews, so I'll skip that one. Rock Auto also has CSF (pretty cheap) and a really expensive all-aluminum Liland Global brand.

Recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

There's a big old thread on radiator brands, give it a search. I just replaced mine, OEM. Spendy, but it went 20 years and 225k miles on the first one, figure that's good odds.

 

[saucebox]

From that big thread, I landed on a Spectra about 2 months ago. Can't really speak to longevity or anything, but it was an OEM fit.

Except for the foam. That kind of sucked—pull it off your old rad and re-glue to the new one. OEM includes it.

 

[Porter]

I second @saucebox. Just installed a Spectra this weekend, no issues.

 

[abuck99]

Heres the big old thread on replacement radiators: Best replacement radiator for the money today...

An OEM radiator is best option and for your 98 truck under $300 shipped. Next option would be Denso- and then maybe CSF. Im a little dissappointed with my Spectra because the return outlet is slightly smaller diameter than OEM- and on used or new hose with new tension clamp it weeps coolant down a ridge/casting seam.

 

[hoser]

I installed Denso and there have been no problems but if I could do it over again, I'd go OEM.

OEM also comes with a new radiator cap ($15) and new closed cell foam, aftermarket does not usually include these.

 

[shadow247]

I bought mine from 1-800-Radiator. Just tell them Amazon has it for 150 bucks and they'll price match every time. They wholesale these radiators for 150 bucks all day. It went in just like factory, and so far no issues after 15k miles.

 

[flintknapper]

I replaced mine with a Spectra about 2.5 yrs ago. Good so far.

 

[Rolocado]

oem for me

 

[97 AZ LC]

An OEM radiator is best option and for your 98 truck under $300 shipped.

Where are you getting that? Camelback Toyota is $353 plus shipping.

 

[abuck99]

Where are you getting that? Camelback Toyota is $353 plus shipping.

Back when I was shopping the price was around $458 less discount which was close to $300 + shipping. Through mcgeorge. Unfortunately they don't ship radiators any more. I should have clarified + shipping in my post.

 

[Ayune]

I understand the value of saving a buck, but the only thing that can really kill these engines is the loss of oil or coolant.

There are 27 pages imploring folks to replace their Heater T’s with OEM or better, yet here we’re discussing downgrading from OEM in our engine’s most critical system. I realize T’s are only $20 but this is not a system where you want to skimp. A failed third-party radiator will not only leave you stranded, but could leave you looking for another truck.

I didn’t know they don’t ship radiators anymore, that’s a drag. I’ve bought lots of parts from McGeorge, they’ve got good prices.

 

[timdgsr]

Where are you getting that? Camelback Toyota is $353 plus shipping.

That's better than the $672 that Serra Toyota quoted me.