2001 Radiator Replacement (Champion Aluminum)

Alatex

Alatex

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Well, I did a thermocure flush and fixed my overheating issues after months of trial and error after replacing my water pump and today I popped the hood while it was running and saw a tiny crack in the top of my radiator. There are only about 15 threads on radiators going currently, can someone tell me which radiator I should get? I’m assuming that I won’t be able to locate an OEM one. Champion? Cold Case?

Edit: Before someone says anything about reading the current threads on it, I’ve skimmed most of them and can’t seem to find a consensus. Anyone with current experience running something other than OEM would be preferred since we’re all going to have to make the transition eventually. I might as well start now.

Update 1/5/2023: This thread should now be viewed as a long term review (or short term if it dies quickly) of the Champion Cooling Systems All-Aluminum Radiator for 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler
Part Number: 166-EC2101.
 
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If I couldn't find an OEM, I think I would go with the all metal CSF. I put one in my YJ decades ago and it has never had an issue. And if it does, it can be repaired.
 
JKP said:
If I couldn't find an OEM, I think I would go with the all metal CSF. I put one in my YJ decades ago and it has never had an issue. And if it does, it can be repaired.
Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity what engine do you have in your YJ?
 
Geeezzz...you guys act like if you dont get a Mopar rad its the end of the world and the thing will never run again. Are they better, sure but for the cost of one mopar you can buy 3 brand x rads. So I ask, what about the other 90% of the crap import parts we get now a days or the parts for the other vehicles you might have. The non mopar in my XJ, TJ and YJ are all brands X and have yet to self destruct in years. The YJ sees 90% AZ or NM trails as well. taint the end of the world ya know.
 
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Alatex said:
Well, I did a thermocure flush and fixed my overheating issues after months of trial and error after replacing my water pump and today I popped the hood while it was running and saw a tiny crack in the top of my radiator. There are only about 15 threads on radiators going currently, can someone tell me which radiator I should get? I’m assuming that I won’t be able to locate an OEM one. Champion? Cold Case?

Edit: Before someone says anything about reading the current threads on it, I’ve skimmed most of them and can’t seem to find a consensus. Anyone with current experience running something other than OEM would be preferred since we’re all going to have to make the transition eventually. I might as well start now.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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JKP said:
If I couldn't find an OEM, I think I would go with the all metal CSF. I put one in my YJ decades ago and it has never had an issue. And if it does, it can be repaired.
Click to expand...
Gilaguy23 said:
Geeezzz...you guys act like if you dont get a Mopar rad its the end of the world and the thing will never run again. Are they better, sure but for the cost of one mopar you can buy 3 brand x rads. So I ask, what about the other 90% of the crap import parts we get now a days or the parts for the other vehicles you might have. The non mopar in my XJ, TJ and YJ are all brands X and have yet to self destruct in years. The YJ sees 90% AZ or NM trails as well. taint the end of the world ya know.
Click to expand...

Yeah I honestly haven’t even looked for a mopar one and I’m ready to commit to an aftermarket, just want input from folks that have used them and their suggestions so I can get one that will work
 
Ok so extreme terrain appears to have an all metal 3 row CSF for $184, why is it more expensive other places?
 
I'll throw in the unpopular opinion of buying a Napa radiator. Mine was made by Spectra...I think the current batch is made by Agility. Mine's at least two years old and no issues...yes...one case is statistically irrelevant. I like Napa cause I know they'll support their products and I can walk into the store and look the manager in the eye.

I think the CSF options and find an unobtainium Mopar are all great options...I'm just allergic to spending $300 plus on a radiator.

-Mac

PS Agility bought APDI in Aug 2021. Napa radiator costs $172 and thats more painfully close to $300...damn inflation.
 
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macleanflood said:
I'll throw in the unpopular opinion of buying a Napa radiator. Mine was made by Spectra...I think the current batch is made by Agility. Mine's at least two years old and no issues...yes...one case is statistically irrelevant. I like Napa cause I know they'll support their products and I can walk into the store and look the manager in the eye.

I think the CSF options and find an unobtainium Mopar are all great options...I'm just allergic to spending $300 plus on a radiator.

-Mac

PS Agility bought APDI in Aug 2021. Napa radiator costs $172 and thats more painfully close to $300...damn inflation.
Click to expand...

If you can find oem,Buy once,cry once
 
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