need a radiator?

blackbear2000 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 10:27 PM

does anyone make a replacement radiator that does not use plastic and is reasonably priced. I have been searching for days and the only one I found was a 500$ alum. one on ebay. Im going to be putting a new rad. when I do my T belt within the next couple weeks. I was looking at universal rads but they dont come with a tranny fluid provision.

thanks

guyaverage · #2 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 06:26 AM

I bought an all-metal one online from Radiator Barn* to replace the cracked plastic one in my Nissan and the price, fit, and workmanship were excellent. It came with the tranny cooler also.

(*ps. I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with them at all.)

kathyricks · #3 (**permalink**) 03-21-2008, 11:20 PM

Koyo is a good quality Japanese brand radiator. They are available for $189 on ebay for the first generation Tundras.

shall36 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-22-2008, 03:23 PM

Unless you are racing or want to dress for show, an OEM style radiator should last a l-o-n-g time if you maintain properly. Drain and fill the system once a year using factory antifreeze and distilled water. Plastic tanks are great (except for the Mercedes/BMW units, which tend to fail at the hose outlets). Units that develop leaks at the end tanks can be repaired (there is a very large end-tank o-ring that can be replaced) by a competent radiator shop for about 1/3 price of a new unit.

If a new unit is in the cards, try 1-800-Radiator. They usually offer several different brands and levels of quality, the price is really low, and they ship fast (if there's a store in your area, it's super fast).

ddvk · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-2008, 09:52 AM

OEM radiators should last a very long time if maintained well. Correctly said.
Aftermarket ones that cost anywhere from $150-$200 should be as fine as the OEM ones the stealerships quote $450-$600. I have a aftermarket one on another vehicle of mine and it has been just fine for 2 yrs.

What is paramount with radiators is you should stick with one coolant and preferably OEM. Never monkey in the coolant dept., you will invariably get burnt. Suck up pay the dealership for the magic juice and rest in peace.

blackbear2000 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 01:45 PM

thanks for the input. after a little research i bought a koyo radiator off of ebay for 208 shipped. what sold me was that it was a two row design rather than a 1 row which is what everyone else had for a similar price.