Preferred Radiator for 2003 Sahara with 42RLE Automatic?

S

Stockli

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Jun 12, 2016
Messages
672
Location
Fort Collins,CO
Well, looks like one of the seems may be giving up on my 03. I noticed a drip from the drain hole that appears to be coming from someplace above.

Tried to tighten up the valve but it made zero difference. I am thinking the seem is beginning to leak.

Any prefered rad on here these days?

I hate the plastic factory replacement, especially at the price but I know that was generally what most recommended on here.

Not looking forward to pulling the front end apart, gah.
 
Mopar

Oh, did I mention Mopar?

That's right, MOPAR!!!

Why do you hate plastic? Explain to me what is wrong with it if it lasts two decades and well over 100k miles?
 
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Chris said:
Mopar

Oh, did I mention Mopar?

That's right, MOPAR!!!

Why do you hate plastic? Explain to me what is wrong with it if it lasts two decades and well over 100k miles?
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I have had seams leak on more XJs than I can count.

You have a good point but dont forget the inexplicable plastic radiator blevy bomb that occasionally goes off without warning lol.

I also hate spending $300 on a plastic part. Feels icky.
 
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Stockli said:
I have had seems leak on more XJs than I can count.

You have a good point but dont forget the inexplicable plastic radiator blevy bomb that occasionally goes off without warning lol.

I also hate spending $300 on a plastic part. Feels icky.
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Many TJs out there are over two decades old and still on the original radiator.

Ask @mrblaine how many good "aftermarket" radiators he's found in all his time working on TJs.
 
Stockli said:
LOL, no I'm a Sig guy. Still plastic, I get your point though. I still prefer my metal 1911 though.

Rational or not spendy plastic makes me feel used
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Point being the term "plastic" is too generic to be used to describe a high performance glass filled polymer. Similar to how aluminum is used to describe beer cans and armor for Jeeps isn't as accurate as their individual performance dictates.
 
Send it to B&R radiator repair in Wichita. They rebuilt mine for the TJ for $120 last year and replaced the plastic parts with new. rebuild it for around $150, with new parts, pressure check it and new cap. They flush it, rod the core, pressure check it.
 
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Ericict said:
Send it to B&R radiator repair in Wichita. They rebuilt mine for the TJ for $120 last year and replaced the plastic parts with new. rebuild it for around $150, with new parts, pressure check it and new cap. They flush it, rod the core, pressure check it.
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Good results im guessing?

I may put in new and send this off for repair to put on the shelf for the future.

Never knew you could rebuild a plastic radiator
 
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Hokahay said:
There's no getting one past you.

I borrowed it from the movie to describe my Glocks.

Not too many people recognize quotes from 30 year old movies.
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In fairness, had you asked me for a quote from a movie, any movie, I would be hard pressed to come up with one. My brain works oddly at times. I read a lot, I do so because I enjoy it. When I am done with a book, I retain almost none of what was in it. Not sure why other than I'm just entertaining myself and somehow my brain recognizes that we don't need to recall any of it, just let it all go. Same with movies when I watch. I remember practically nothing after watching one.
 
I got a lifetime warranty on the radiator I got at Autozone. I think it was $150ish or so, cant remember. I like the lifetime warranty, plus they are located about 2 miles away, and most anywhere if you are travelling.
 
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