I have a 87 4.0 and recently the radiator has started leaking and is getting continuously worse. Im going to put a new one in but does anyone have any advise on what brands to get/stay away from? side note.. ive never had ANY cooling issues before, the highest temp ive seen it at is just over 200

 

i bought a new one for my 2000 from autozone it was the same as stock as i recall it only cost me about 100 bucks and haven had a problem since. just make sure to inspect mounts/isolators mine were bad and haded to replace them i got them from morris 4x4 they came suprisingly fast

 

Champion 2 or 3 row all the way that's what I went with there are some pictures in my build thread in my signature

 

We bought local (AutoZone)......if there is a warranty issue, I don't want to be down days waiting on mail order. While the old rad is out is the perfect time for a new water pump and fan clutch.

 

Well, many opinions, many different experiences on the forum. And no 'bottom line'.
Aluminum vs copper, metal tanks vs plastic, 1/2/3 rows, you name it.
My copper/brass very expensive $450 radiator has started leaking after 3 years and less than 50.000 km, and that was supposed to be a really good radiator, so kinda disappointed by that.
Copper core is supposed to be more easy repair-wise, however I seriously consider buying a cheaper aluminum with plastic tanks for 30% of that price and just use it for the 2-3 years I expect to get out of it.

And agree with djb, its a good time to replace wp and viscous when while you have things done there.

 

Look into champions all welded all aluminum

 

......and a rad with a multi-row core that is close to or the same total core thickness as the factory single row rad (1.25") most likely offers no cooling efficiency advantage.

 

Ok thanks fellas. I just replaced my water pump a couple months ago so I'm good there.. I think I'm gonna go the oreillys route, good point on taking it right back for warranty

 

......and the fan clutch?????

 

If you can source a copper-brass radiator from a wrecker, you may be happier. The plastic aluminum one with a warranty is nice and good for a DD, but if you plan on going on any trails you can't fix a plastic radiator if it breaks or goes out. Solder and a torch will fix most leaks in a copper-brass radiator.