All,
Original radiator has sprung a leak, and bad enough that I would just like to replace it now with a good - ideally all metal/aluminum aftermarket radiator. So looking for suggestions for a "bolt-in" replace with no fab...

Specs:
Open system
2000 XJ Cherokee Sport
4.0L
Auto Trans
Electric Fan - 10"

Thanks

 

Oem radiators more then do the job. Unless you just like paying extra for an "upgraded" one.

 

https://www.radiator.com/Shop

They offer OEM style replacements and all alluminum "upgrades" we order a lot of radiators and condensers through them without issue.

 

i used this in my 2000 sport. been in there a little over a year and have no complaints..

 

I use the CSF 3 core. Bit more expensive but it has metal end tanks instead of plastic and I have never had one fail. Cools very well.

 

Thanks Gents.. My XJ is lifted, bigger tires, and we get OFF ROAD deep into the Maine woods! Having the little extra reliability and insurance, (real or imagined) is nice when your hours from the nearest shop...

 

I have the CSF three row. No complaints here.

However, the number of rows is less important than the thickness of the radiator. A heavy duty two row or even single row will cool just as well as the three row IF it's as thick. What makes that CSF great is that it's quite thick and therefore has more surface area for cooling.

Also, a word of warning: If you're going to invest in a heavy duty radiator, make sure your motor mounts are in good shape or replace them. The thicker radiator tolerates less movement of the motor, and people have ruined their nice new $300 radiator by banging the Jeep around on the trail with worn motor mounts and having the fan clip it.

 

Re Motor mounts.. Hmmm..good point! thanks

 

Yes, with a thicker rad - good motor mounts are a MUST otherwise the fan will hit the radiator when hardcore offroading (reportedly at least)

Browndog Offroad makes the best motor mounts for the XJ. Most prefer the replaceable rubber bushing ones.

Or just install an electric fan like the Ford Tarus swap that is pretty popular (Mercury Sable, also a Volvo model I think)

 

CSF is the ONLY aftermarket radiator worth getting, IMO. Also don't waste your money on boxy aluminum radiators, as they almost never fit without modification. CSF, made with brass and copper, is a direct drop-in.

Aftermarket "OEM-style" radiators from the parts store often don't last as long as OEM because of cheaper build quality.

If you go thicker, there is no reason to go beyond a 2-core in an XJ. You will start to see worsening cooling performance, as the thicker radiator simply creates more resistance for airflow. The grille already only lets so much air through due to volumetric restrictions, and if you're running a transmission cooler in addition to your AC condenser, you already have plenty of resistance to begin with.

Good luck with your choice, OP!

 

I've found Nissens to be a good name for replacement rads in the past.
OEM spec and stock fans work perfectly... in English weather
My temp gauge sits at 90 C / 194 F

 

Yeah. Heard a lot of good about CSF. Saw a YouTube video about a boxy aluminum radiator that needed a frustrating degree of modification. Ugh.

I ask the following because it pertains directly to the purpose of the thread. Anyone seen an improvement in temperature after switching to CSF? Thanks.

 

I just slapped in a new China special $53 shipped radiator in my XJ. Runs 10° cooler then the factory one. I also did the water pump and thermostat at the same time. Now only time will tell how long it actually holds up for...

 

The thermostat determines the minimum operating temp of the engine. The fan/clutch determines the maximum operating temp of the engine. The radiator is merely a passive participant. Since a properly functioning OEM system can keep the engine at 190-220 degrees easily on its own, there is no room for improvement unless some part in the system is failing in which case only repair or replacement of the faulty part is necessary, not aftermarket upgrade.

 

I went with a $65 spectre from rock auto and its been solid.