So the thinking is.....all metal rads r better? The XJ FSM even says the plastic tanks are stronger than metal ones, not to mention lighter.....and while on the subject of tank material, the tanks have nothing to do with cooling. The core design has everything to do with cooling and that's why auto mfgs for 20+ years have been using aluminum/plastic rads. Late model 1/2 ton p/u trucks with 10,000 lb tow ratings don't have old school all metal copper/brass rads.....they have light weight, more efficient, aluminum/plastic rads.

Well, I didn't really want to start a debate...saw a few threads on that already. I think everyone's got their opinion. Sounds like a great episode for Myth Busters...aluminum vs. copper, all metal vs. plastic/metal, 1 - 2 or 3 row. I'm sure people would be riveted to the screen (I would be to be honest).

When it arrives and I put it in, I'll let you all know what I got...the question is whether I'll need Vaseline.

By the way, funny thing happened (sarcasm)...while I was typing this reply, the Chrysler shop called about my Wrangler getting the new engine...seems the radiator is leaking.

In the process of this thread development, I've been communicating with Omix-ada about their product and why I should buy it. I will say this...the sales guy was stand-up and continued communication back and forth. He also told me that the advertised 3-year warranty will now be a 5-year, even on the rad I already ordered (Always something to be said for a company who backs it's product, especially existing products).

He's also sending me some promo shwag...Omix-ada Vaseline? Maybe, but it's workin'!

If u read the link I post, I believe u will see that Ford, GM and Mercedes are referenced as doing a lot of radiator design research/development/experimentation way before MythBusters came about. Change in design (and material) is the main reason modern radiators are more efficient than the old design.

Plastic is more prone to cracking, right?

Any material is prone to damage or breaking. Since the radiator was 1st invented, they have been failing one way or another. They've also been improving at what they do......remove heat from coolant. The XJ FSM says plastic tanks r stronger than metal tanks (every manufacturer uses them) but nothing lasts forever or is indestructible.

There's a fella over at JeepForum that installed a Griffin 2 row aluminum rad (something like $600). From what I understand, the Griffin unit is a major improvement as it's core is actually 2X as thick OE stock. The Griffin rad uses 2 rows of 1.25" wide tubing. There may need to be some mods (a/c condenser), I'm not sure. I've said many times, the main fault with the XJ cooling system is the dinky radiator. However, if all of the cooling system is maintained in top notch condition, the OE XJ radiator is adequate most of the time. Triple digit ambient, running a/c, slow/no vehicle speed......that combo will push the XJs cooling system to the limit every time, mainly due to the dinky radiator.

Not that this contributes much to this thread but expensive 2 or 3 row rads are not always best. About a month ago I got a 2 row plastic/aluminum rad from Radiator classic off of ebay delivered for 65 bucks. Fit perfect and performed much better than my 200,000 mile leaking stocker. Now a couple weeks ago when all 3 motor mount bolts sheared off and put my fan through my new radiator I sure was glad I "cheaped out" and did not drop 250.00- 300.00 for a radiator. Just saying.

"I smoke cigarettes b/c I might get hit by a bus anyway" ?

I think your missing my point. My cheap radiator did exactly what it was supposed to. Kept my motor at 195. A more expensive rad would have done what to justify the expense? My factory aluminum and plastic rad made it 200,000 miles. I believe my cheap replacement would have done well if not for that nasty little bolt incident. Time will tell, I replaced it with another cheap one. Not same brand as they were out of stock.

That scenario above is when the stock XJ cooling system becomes challenged.....maybe throw in "for extended periods of time" into the above scenario as well and the XJ will get toasty but shouldn't overheat. In a scenario not quite that extreme, the stock xooling system seems to do quite well, when maintained of course. Next to impossible to go with a taller/wider rad in the XJ so the only way to go with any real improvement in cooling efficiency is a thicker (than stock 1.25") core with a wider tube(s) and more fins/in., not the same thickness of core with more rows and but narrower tubes.