Sorry for this real basic question but .... I purchased a radiator for my daughters 98 Cherokee yesterday from Autozone. (see first picture). The bottom right trans line connection is not the same as on the existing radiator they are replacing. This one (and most everyone I have looked at online) has the pipe elbow on it. The existing radiator does not (see 2nd picture). My question is, before they ruin a new radiator (my $) and attempt to take the pipe elbow off, can that be done and will this fit and is this a common type of thing? I don't recall having any issue with my son's 96, but I ordered an upgraded radiator and not a basic stock type from Autozone. Again sorry for the simple dumb question

 

I'd just pop the old elbow off the existing trans cooler hose at the quick disconnect and connect the hose end to the new elbow that's already connected to the radiator. In other words, just ditch the old elbow rather than the new.

 

The existing hose does not have a quick disconnect on it nor the an elbow (I wish my daughter had taken a picture of the hose itself ). No idea why but my guess it that at some time a previous owner changed the hose to one without a quick disconnect. It looks like it is about the same size and would screw in if the new elbow were removed, but I am not sure. I am just curious if anyone has removed the elbow that comes with the new radiator and screwed a trans hose in directly.

 

Well you have a lifetime warranty, so you shouldn't have to worry about paying a 2nd time.

Another alternative is to take the radiator to Autozone and let them remove the elbow.

Yet another alternative is to replace the trans line with the proper one that hooks up to the new radiator. That may be a bit of a PITA to find or could be expensive.

If it were me, I'd very carefully see if the elbow unscrews and if so, unscrew it.

Full disclosure - I've never dealt with an automatic Jeep - every one I've been around has been a manual which obviously doesn't have those transmission lines. I have, however, dealt with about 4 radiator replacements on my TJ and only ever paid for 1. Autozone made a big mistake giving me a lifetime warranty!

 

Found one at NAPA that does not have the quick disconnect pipe on it. Fit with no problems

 

my quick disconnect was leaking right at that point and i cut off the quick disconnect fitting and reattached the hose with 2 hose clamps and having that quick disconnect edge/rim on that piece of pipe/elbow keeps the hose from coming off one clamp after the edge and one right before the hose stays on tight. its a good solution in my opinion and a lot cheaper those quick disconnect fittings arent cheap

marc