My stock radiator in my jeep finally sprang a leak today, right after putting a new radiator cap on. lol. Apparently the old cap was bad and wasn't building pressure. So I have 2 choices. Either the ElCheapo $100 parts store aluminum/plastic rad, or the summit 2 row brass/copper rad. Any opinions on that one? been reading around for hours, can't find anything negative about it.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-382012

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/99-radiator-243293/

And dirt cheap

https://m.ebay.com/itm/New-Radiator-...sAAOSwNQFZeozk

 

I read thru that post, everyone says stock, BUT the stock one in mine wasn't the plastic aluminum one, it has the metal tanks. I really think that one from summit is going to be identical to the one I have now, except for the trans line on the bottom, it's made to mine, fitting on the summit.

 

Have you owned your XJ since new? Guessing not. So how do you know it's stock and someone before you didn't replace it? As little as I know about these Jeeps, I am pretty sure they all came with a plastic sided radiator. Just saying. If you want to spend the money on the summit one, go ahead. All I am saying is that a lot cheaper stock one will work just fine as very clearly noted in the other thread.

 

I would put that radiator in from Summit op put a link to and consider it an upgrade. Looks like a good part and it has almost 5 stars.

I'm using Spectra Premium CU1193.

Yeah so?

My thoughts exactly.

Radiator threads seem to be a hot topic. Maybe even more than oil.

Is it getting hot in here?

 

So you are currently using a stock replacement style radiator which I am assuming is working just fine but you are recommending a completely different one that cost way more. Makes sense....

 

Call it what you will brother.

It's still an upgrade.

 

 

If you run a stroked motor, go the all metal, Summit, if you Wheel seriously through the summer, go the Summit. It's a quality part, and it costs way more. I have a friend with one on stroked motor, ridden hard and put away wet, no problems for 2 years. Almost $550 Cdn delivered. Crazy price. Proven reliable in rough conditions.
However
If you have a daily driver, go the composite bargain.
My Spectra rad offered by Canadian Tire hardware store, lifetime warranty. $130 Cdn delivered.
Ran for over 300K km prior to starting to weep. However the failure was following a 55 mph full frontal deer strike. Even then it was a weep, no a burst.
Keep all your fluids, thermo, cap, shrouds, and fans functional.
The free replacement has 150K km, no probs.
Same brand on my ZJ, 250Kkm, no probs.
Same brand on my WJ, 190K km, starting to weep this winter around the rad line connections and pasenger side tank crimp seam. Will replace (free) when the weather is better. Free is part only, not labour.
So there is some data for your consideration.

 

Follow Up.
The Spectra Rad for my WJ is now listed at $250 Cdn. Current warranty now downgraded to 1 year only! The customer service counter stated they would honour my original lifetime for this exchange only, then 1 yr ( I must bring in receipt). Better than kick in the butt, but barely, at least $0 to me this time. No longer mfg in Canada, now assembled in Mexico with parts imported from China. For the WJ, it will have to do. But the quality aspect and expectation sure is sucked dry.

 

That $60 radiator is no upgrade. The core is only one-inch thick, so more like a downgrade from OEM stock.

 

 

I was referring to the Summit radiator in the link op posted.

I paid 100.00 for the Spectra cu1193, that was a couple years ago though.

 

I was referring to Spectra Premium cu1193. Priced at $60.55

 

Unlike the heater core, the radiators location makes it susceptible to damage and wear. The heater core could fail sooner than later if the coolant is not maintained and looses its anti-corrosion properties.