1996 (November '95 build) XJ 4.0; in-line 6; Automatic; RWD

Howdy, y'all!

Got a few questions about radiators, since this is the first rad RnR I'll be doing. I'm looking on RockAuto and there are so many options, I'm not sure which to go with (see pic below). I don't wanna order the wrong one and have it not fit. According to the parts list I have, my OEM part# is: 5202 9045....so should I stay away from any rad on the list that doesn't have that corresponding number when I click on the item info? And are the "all metal" ones worth the extra money compared to the ones with metal cores in plastic tanks? And what about 2- or 3-row compared to single row? Are those also worth the extra cost?

Thanx for any advice!

 

My 96 is my daily driver, no off road...treat it as a stock 25 year old vehicle. I replaced the radiator 10 years ago with a 3 core metal/plastic radiator. Couple of months ago the sides split between the plastic and metal. I replaced it with a single core all metal. No noticeable difference in coolant temp...Runs at 195 degrees, which is the thermostat, even sitting in stopped traffic on the Florida Turnpike for hours

 

Thanx for the info, BruceB! Mine is also my daily driver, no off roading. My friend / fellow Jeeper / mechanic says go with all-metal, still waiting to hear what he says about 2- or 3-row vs single row. I was thinking of doing the stat, water pump, & rad hoses while I'm at it. From what I've been reading, it doesn't look like it's worth getting a high-flow stat & pump, or a lower temp stat.

 

Stay with the 195 degree by the service manual. It has to do with the emissions systems. Also I understand that 2 and 3 core radiators have much smaller passageways which restrict the coolant flow as compared to the single core. Good idea to do a standard water pump, upper and lower hoses, heater hoses and do a bypass of the heater control valve, it will help keep your heater core cleaner.

 

Roger that! Thank you, sir!

I actually already deleted the HCV a couple months ago, after it exploded like a grenade.

 

Get the Spectra factory replacement, I have installed a few of those and never had an issue.

 

Plenty of threads available on this forum alone, to give you a multitude of opinions on your question which radiatior to put in.
I am sure that if you do a search, you'll come across hours worth of reading opnions re pro's and con's for every type of radiator .

Plastic tanks are cheaper, the downside being they usually wont last as long
(But aluminium tanks aren't a guarantee either they will last years and years),

So, thinks to consider are how much you're willing to spend, whether you'll be doing a lot of heavy work/towing etc etc.