It is time to replace the original radiator in our 91 Laredo.

IMPORTANT XJ INFO:
Odometer has 175,000mi.
DAPO maintained poorly.
DAILY-DRIVER.
NO OFF-ROADING
NO OVERHEATING
4.0L HO


Looking around we have found the two basic types:
Plastic/aluminum -or- all metal

How do the two compare?
The metal ones are $120+
The alum/plastics are around $50-$75 Got my eye on a 2-row for $65

Here's the question: Can/does the aluminum rad (2 row) perform as good as the metal ones? IOW is it a good buy or am I wasting my money?

Please note: This is a true DAILY DRIVER. So removing the old and having to wait for the repair is just out of the question.
This is HER XJ and she uses it EVERYDAY for work, so I have very little down-time with it.

 

I am not a fan off the plastic tanks. You are depending on an o-ring and crimps. I just order all metal for my 85, but TMO

 

I have a plastic one at the moment and it works great,I think a new plastic one would last for several years at least,see what kind of warranty it has and is possible buy it locally,makes it easier to get another.

 

I went with all metal 3 row and could not be happier. That was my choice because of where i live - foot hills of the rockys- Since you state that over heating has not been a problem i would think a bargain radiator may be acceptable.

 

Unfortunately, local ones are more expensive.
A/Z- $129 1 row. (errr...no)
Sadly, thats the cheapest one locally.

I picked one up off of eBay w/shipping $63 1 yr warranty.

Now comes the fun part...not the wait. More of a case of temperature.
No garage available...driveway repair-job.
I havent done this for some time now.
Working in a garage, ya get spoiled.

My days of shoveling snow to get to the vehicle and then working on it, are long gone.

I will keep those who are interested, posted.

 

Same item in my '92.

Summers here get to 115 and sometimes will hit 120.

If your wife isn't jumping parking islands at the local Winn Dixie the plastic should be fine.

Buy what you need.

 

i got one of the ebay rads too, as far as ease and speed as im sure you very well kno its super easy and mine was pretty quick when i did it, i think the longest part was riggin up my bigger tranny cooler and two elec fans

 

WOW
Talk about resurrecting an old post.

I thought it would be nice to give an update to this scenerio.

The original radiator leaked off and on for a little bit.
Not excessive but enough to be embarassing.

FINALLY, I found the time to replace it.
She was off for a few days and weather was nice.

Removal was a bit of a pain but once the radiator support panel was removed and the radiator drained (what a mess) it was a cinch.

Minor difference the replacement radiator did not have a top stud to mount the A/C. There were two tabs that were bent down with a hole in each one.
I bent them up flat, popped the rubber encased nut out of the A/C unit. Installed (of all things) license plate mounts (the square plastic push-in nuts) they were a PERFECT fit. I then secured the A/C unit to the radiator with licdense plate screws.

It ran hot for a little bit until all the air was purged from the system.
Now it runs as good as new.