Yesterday, I ordered an Omix-ada 17101.35 2-core radiator from Amazon at $155. Amazon says it will fit my 99 XJ Sport 4.0 with AT. However, upon further review of the order and subsequent Omix-ada search, I see that this is listed for the 2001.

The 17101.21 is probably the most appropriate order for a 2-row 99 replacement, but it's $100 more?

What do you think, cancel and reorder a different one or go with it? I'd like a 2-core, but wanted to stay under $200 since I'm dropping an unplanned $4K on a new motor for the Wrangler.

 

Got a message back from Omix-ada Tech Support... 17101.35 will NOT fit anything other than a 2001, and of course, their suggested part is the 17101.21 for a 2-core, which is $250.

My first radiator replacement...we'll see how it goes.

 

That's total crap! The very minute changes between the '00 and '01 radiators do not justify an extra $100!

 

Yeah, Muddin...I agree. It probably has more to do with demand/sales projections than design/build cost. However, the novice who needs a d*mn radiator yesterday says...just go with the one they tell you to and forego the headache.

 

Is the old rad the original Chrysler/Jeep rad? Is it a 1 row 1.25" thick core? How does the core thickness of the new rad compare?.....got specs? What material is the new rad's core made of? Most of the auto parts stores sell/stock OE style for +/-$110.

 

What he said! I can get a new one from NAPA for $88!

 

The current one is the stock Chrysler, 150K miles. Not a huge leak, but a leak nonetheless. The Omix-ada 17101.21 is a 2-row aluminum core being sold as an OE replacement/upgrade (confirmed through Omix-ada). I believe it is all metal construction, not metal/plastic (attempting to confirm through Omix-ada). I have not been able to locate specs, but I am being told that Omix-ada purchased tooling equipment from Chrysler to build these to OE dimensions/specs (unconfirmed rumor from another thread).

I'm beginning to think that buying a radiator is like buying a car...preference and perspective. "Do you think I got a good deal?" "I don't know, do you feel like you got a good deal?" "Why, yes, I do." "Then you got a good deal."

 

Omix-ada says metal/plastic combo. I think I got screwed

 

The OE factory rad we removed was from our XJ had a 1 row 1.25" thick aluminum core with plastic tanks. The Autozone replacement (Spectra Premium) rad is identical in every way, perfect drop-in fit for $110......so far, so good.

 

People seem to like this as an upgrade....All metal.
http://radiatorbarn.com/search.php?product=radiator


2 row. $193 shipped
3 row. $233 shipped

 

Wish there was some definitive radiator efficiency test/comparison info available between the various XJ rads......copper/brass multiple very narrow row (old school) vs aluminum core, single very wide row (modern).

http://www.stockcarproducts.com/rad2.htm

 

I would assume modern is better. They redesigned for a reason, right?

 

The 3 row from Radiator barn is excellent. Its a CFS brand and worth every penny. If you can afford it get it. It will keep it cool in the hottest weather. Ive got one in my 93 and one waiting to go into my 98. Radiator barn has always given superb FAST service.
Ron

 

According to that link modern is better, all auto mfgs have gone to modern wide row/tube design aluminum cores......that's why we stayed with OE type/style aluminum single wide row core replacement rad. Still wish there was some valid apples-2-apples test comparison info out there.

 

The cooling system is the last thing I would ever cheap out on. Esp. if you have 2000-2001 heads. I'd never get the cheap $100 radiator with plastic.
For an extra $40, I will get the 3 row. And peace of mind.

In the BMW forum, people would kill for this. Plastic radiators are $150-$300. Aftermarket all metal rads are like $1200, so people deal with the plastic radiators. For $239 on my Jeep, it's a no brainer.

http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/s...e/E389SDCK.htm