I need a radiator and so will you

6 months from now, are you more likely to be saying "man I wish I'd gone wheeling on that trip", or "sure glad I have this extra $180 from not wheeling on that trip"?

For sure. It was more of a rhetorical question lol.
I’ll probably end up getting a good one too, and run this til it fails, then warranty it out, and keep that as a spare.
 
Rock Auto
1994 Wrangler 4.0L
CSF 2576 - $288 ea (2 rows)
CSF 2578 - $325 ea (3 rows)
Copper core/Brass tanks...
Will work in ALL 4.0L 87-06 Wranglers (YJ/TJ/LJ)

I have been running them for years in my 2006 LJ. They last about 3-4 years. Compared to 12-15 months for the Chinese-built aluminum replacement POS radiators. I could probably get the copper cores to last longer if I were to remember to change out the radiator fluid every 12,000 miles.

Before someone calls running a copper core radiator in a 97+ Wrangler blaspheme stop and consider for one moment the 87-95 YJs 4.0L use the same small block design (metallurgy) as the 97-06 TJ/LJs. Chrysler switched from copper to aluminum core radiators for cost savings and weight reduction - NOT cooling performance. Enuff said.
 
For sure. It was more of a rhetorical question lol.
I’ll probably end up getting a good one too, and run this til it fails, then warranty it out, and keep that as a spare.

Good plan.

I did some comparison some months back using rockauto photos and found that CSF appeared to have the closest number of tubes to factory. Most others have much fewer, as much as 20%, which is a reduction in primary heat transfer surface that makes a direct impact to performance. The denso photo matched the tube count of my previous unidentified aftermarket radiator that couldn't keep my TJ below 235 on the hwy on a 90 degree day, so even though they may be ok for Toyotas, I wouldn't buy one for my Jeep.
 
Auto radiators in a manual is just a free power steering cooler!

Don't forget the armor...Iove my Rusty's radiator protector...keeps those sticks from making holes.

I don't have an OEM radiator and I'm not saying a damn thing further before I jinx myself.

Most oem "parts" are sourced from other companies. Some get permission to keep making them after a certain amount of time. My guess is most of the folks who made TJ parts are holding on to the dies and tooling.

-Mac
 
electronics in cars are still relatively new. As companies gain experience, things should get better. One thing that will help is a willingness to pay more to keep cars on the road, which we're probably going to need to do anyway, if the current trends in EV are pushed further.

^^^THIS^^^
The short term carbon footprint of manufacturing a NEW EV is just as bad or worse than the carbon footprint created when manufacturing a NEW ICE vehicle.
The both need wheels, tires, seats, wires, upholstery, powerplants, fuel storage, glass, paint, etc. all built in a plant that burns fossil fuel to power the robots and keep the lights on.

The main difference between the 2 versions (EV vs ICE) is the footprint created during the lifetime of the batteries.
When the batteries die and need to be replaced, there is a huge 'uptick' in the cf of the EV, that the ICE vehicle will not share.
Not to mention the cf of the discarded EV batteries, which the majority of the ICE vehicles will not contribute to - due to having different battery types with better recycling options.

Making brand new EV's will not save the planet... there are already too many ICE vehicles on the road for the EV market to have a significant impact.

On the other hand, if a manufacturer were to design a factory kit to convert an EXISTING ICE vehicle to electric (or other alternative fuel), THEN there could be enough of a change to influence the market... refurbishing old cars with new technology to require less energy.

Adding MORE cars to the streets - regardless of their fuel source - is NOT the answer to the equation.
 
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I’ve read the other threads and searched til im blue in the face. I need a radiator (02 TJ 4.0L 5spd) and its starting to seem like I’m SOL.
Which begs the question, what to do.
We all know the consensus by now of which Rad is preferred, but unless we as a fleet decide to scrap our TJs due to a lack of OEM radiators, we need a suitable replacement.
So what’s the consensus there?
I.e., the next go to option since I can’t seem to find a

55037652AA.​

Likely some sitting around in someone’s garage as they’ve been scoured for spares.

My existing radiator is of unknown heritage, installed by PO, probably not about 2 years ago. Seems to be leaking now.
Argh

Until you are on radiator #3, I don't want to hear any more whining. ;)
 
Man going for 3!!!!!! ;)

I'm going through a whole "who will get banned first" thing on another forum over a Rusty's is BETTER than Savvy guy.:rolleyes:
For your amusement.

"Rusty Off-road builds quality products at affordable price, Savvy builds quality products at an unreasonable high price simply to support Gerald's racing habit. Rusty's has customer service, Savvy has customer no service. Rusty's has inventory and ships next day, Savvy takes your money but never ships. Whether you buy Rusty or Savvy products for your TJ/LJ neither have been race proven on a TJ?LJ or likely ever seen a racecar.

2019 KoH Gladiator 4600 myth. Nothing on that Gladiator can a TJ/LJ owner buy for your JT/LJ except the window shield decal. Additionally, even with Gordon and Miller at the wheel and unlimited Jeep money Savvy finished dead last in the 4600 class. Only Mall Crawlers buy parts for their TJ/LJ from the last place finisher?
So what is your point? You read something negative about Rusty's on the internet but have no personal experience."
Creedmoor

So Jason Scherer won 4400 class and Miller was first place loser, what does that have to do with Savvy or Rusty's?
 
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Rusty's shop, store whatever they call it, is 90 miles from me, I have never darkened their door!!!!!

ps. I still want to keep @Jerry Bransford as my friend too. 🤣 🤣

I bent my crap RC tie rod (I know). I put the stock one back on and need something decent now. Can you get me a discount on their USA made RUSTY's quality one? Mention @AndyG if it helps. :cool:
 
I bent my crap RC tie rod (I know). I put the stock one back on and need something decent now. Can you get me a discount on their USA made RUSTY's quality one? Mention @AndyG if it helps. :cool:

I can try, but I think @AndyG has ruined his reputation with Rusty's since he has joined the Savvy/Rockjock and UFC bandwagon 🤣 🤣
 
Not the point being made. Personal computers and smartphones also didn't exist, yet here we are having a conversation.

Think about this, computers and electronics started being implemented in common cars during the '70-80s, and really took off in the '90s. We're talking 30-50 year old vehicles. How many vehicles of these vintages do you see on the road today? I see quite a few around here.

My point is; Putting electronics in cars may be the death knell of running, functioning antique cars.

I can't figure out what point you are trying to make.
 
I agree. We deal with this in older airplanes. Parts either become available through aftermarket sources, or end up being made custom

Do you think that will happen with the sensors, electronics, etc., in our TJs?
 
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I bent my crap RC tie rod (I know). I put the stock one back on and need something decent now. Can you get me a discount on their USA made RUSTY's quality one? Mention @AndyG if it helps. :cool:

That’s right and if they use my name with capital letters they get an extra 10%, even verbally🤣.
 
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Damn rich folks. I'm jealous. ;)

Rich nothing, I had to rip John off so bad on the black sport I put Rubi stickers I can barely sleep to afford that stuff. He didn’t even realize it was the same jeep he sold a guy the prior saturday.

Actually I’ll spend strategically- my track bar is Rough Country, with better ends- Clayton Arms, etc.

I’m definitely not out to break the bank or have something just to say I have it.

There are good parts out there among most all brands, and of course things to avoid.
 
I can't figure out what point you are trying to make.

My point is this, parts will be available, from OE NOS to new aftermarket parts. Quality and availability will vary through time. The good news is that these Jeeps are popular, so they will have support, and they will be relatively easy to keep and maintain. I have various old cars. A few popular models with tons of support and parts availability, and others makes, well they're built out of unobtanimu and honestly worth more parted out because of the rarity of their parts. (I've been on a ~5 year search for tail light lenses for one and have seen price swings from $300-1,500 for ~60 year old plastic lenses :oops:)

My point is; Putting electronics in cars may be the death knell of running, functioning antique cars.

As I've said, I do expect these late model electronic-gizmo vehicles to be a challenge going forward. As electronics age, they crap out. Right now, I don't have much hope for these late models lasting 3+ decades, but aftermarket support will likely solve the problems that arise for them too.