Thanks for all the replies, opinions, and experience. These forums sometimes make my head spin but they are probably the best source of information available, even though it turned into a partial conversation about chrome.
It sounds like OEM is out of the question or at least too long of a wait for me.
The website articles are killing me. I swear every link to a recommended replacement radiator I click ends with me reading several negative reviews about leaks, poor performance, or ill-fitting units with misaligned mounting points....and then worst of all....bad customer service and shitty return policies. This one for instance: https://www.jeepzine.com/best-radiator-for-jeep/. It's actually hilarious that anyone would recommend these products with the terrible reviews they get. (Unless obviously the reviews happened afterwards.)
Is this really just a matter of luck, trial and error, and patience? If so, just tell me now so I can give up and take the crap shoot and see what happens.
Any other recommendation for a specific radiator? No? How about a specific retailer/vendor who will help when their product leaks or doesn't fit correctly? Am I just asking too much here?
Seriously, thanks for all the input and help with this. I'm trying so hard to give someone my $$$ but I need something good in return. I sound like a big baby too.
Just so its clear, feel free to do anything you want. I got a Napa brand, it worked for a year and a half then started to leak. Instead of getting another Napa ( under warrantee) I was able to snagged a Mopar. All we are saying is that if you off wheeling in BFE you really want to limit the chance of things going wrong.
If your always in town and have cell service/ triple A not so much of a worry
