Where can I find a Mopar radiator for my 98 TJ?
- Thread starter ChrisR.
- Start date
They stopped making them. Lots of threads on here for people looking for them. People occasionally find sources, but they buy them out quick. I don't think there is a currently known source. Search a little and you'll see.
You have a manual transmission but add those made for automatics to your search too. They work just as well for manual transmissions, they just have an additional separate cooler for the transmission. I found the one I purchased as a spare several months ago at Summit Racing, just use Google.
Yep, don't forget to look for radiators for automatics as well as they will also work.
I'd check eBay too as the do pop-up from time-to-time.
I'd check eBay too as the do pop-up from time-to-time.
Just curious, you are saying the core size is no different manual vs auto? There is just additional trans cooler stuff stuck on to what would otherwise be a manual version?
KennethS
TJ Addict
A second yes to that. Aftermarket radiators are now one style fits all. The radiator that I installed in my manual trans TJ has the auto trans cooler in the bottom tank. I simply put a dab of RTV in the hose ports to seal it off (mainly to keep leaf cutter wasps and such out).
Well, I think there is a difference between using an auto tranny radiator in a manual (which I understand will work) vs two separate radiators; one with an auto trans cooler and the other without, but both having the same size engine cooling core. Did that make sense? Not sure I articulated that very well.
willis36
Member
I'm not yet convinced the OEM Mopar is totally unavailable yet, though I agree it's getting hard to find. I bought one to keep as a spare a couple months ago.
If you have a manual transmission and have been searching solely for those designated as for manual transmission, those are the hardest to find. Add those made for automatics to your search too as those made for automatics are also work just as well for TJs with manual transmissions. They just include an extra unused and totally separate cooler at the very bottom for the automatic that would remain unused with a manual transmission.
And if you have an automatic the only difference between years is the type of fitting for the cooler line connections but those can be adapted between model years.
If all that fails I'd probably go for a Denso.
To clarify, the radiator core and upper tank are the same. The only difference is the lower tank has two ports for the liquid to liquid heat exchanger that the autos use for transmission cooling duty.
This is what they look like with the lower tank removed. 3 different radiators and not a lot of difference in how the coolers are installed.
Audi
Tahoe
Wrangler
willis36
Member
Just ordered the Denso, should have it tomorrow. Anyone reading this, absolutely do not by a Mishimoto radiator, I am on number three and its puking, complete piece of shit.
I just installed a Denso. Fit is great. Be sure to screw in and remove the fan shroud bolts BEFORE installing the radiator. Also remove the breakaway flap if you have A/C. The bottom bolts on both sides of the radiator don’t need to be removed completely. Just back them out enough to slide up the old radiator and the new one will rest on them while you get the others started. There are slots in the bottom holes. I have an auto in my 98 and the original fittings for the lines fit perfectly.
Amazon was $150 dollars vs Napa $345.
Amazon was $150 dollars vs Napa $345.
KennethS
TJ Addict
Not really sure what you mean. But anyway, the auto trans radiator works fine in my manual transmission application. Here in Phoenix the summers are over 110 and the engine runs near the 200 mark with the AC on in rush hour traffic.
Been in the Jeep for a few months now. Just got back a few weeks ago from an approximately 2700-3000 mile trip in everything from chilly temps (Pike's Peak-low 30s) to 90+ temps with AC running full blast while driving 65mph. Been 100%. I took pics for another thread.
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/jeep-wrangler-tj-cooling-system-overhaul-faq.3397/page-14
Why are you going with the plastic radiator? is it because its a single row vs a 2 row in the aftermarket steel radiators? I'm about to order a 2 row all steel/brass radiator. My current one is I think 20 years old and its brass and is leaking from the tank but no one around me fixes radiators. I did install 185 thermostat because it would get kinda hot in Louisiana summers but I have theory of kinda why and will go back to 195 just to test it out.
Thanks
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