Suggestions for a new radiator
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 739
Likes: 6
Year: 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK)
Engine: 3.6 V6
A while back I flushed the heater core, radiator and replaced hoses to the heater core and the upper and lower radiator hoses. Everything has been running fine until this week, it definitely looks like the radiator is now leaking. Good news is it is nice and clean antifreeze on the pavement. Looking for suggestions on a replacement that won't break the bank, I was not intending on doing this right now. Thanks.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 17
From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Got mine from AutoZone under a $100 lifetime warranty and easy exchange if ever needed. An OEM is fine for any XJ if the rest of the cooling system is in good working order.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 739
Likes: 6
Year: 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK)
Engine: 3.6 V6
Since I am going this far, I went ahead and grabbed the radiator with a water pump as well and will do the thermostat since I have it all apart. I don't have any heating or overheating issues so I can't see anything else to get into. I am having a problem getting the lower transmission cooler hose out of the radiator the one that is right under the lower radiator hose, I got the nut off and I can move it around but it just won't separate from the bottom of the radiator. I am afraid to pull on it too hard or kink the metal pipe that the hose is flared on to. Any ideas ? Thanks.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 739
Likes: 6
Year: 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK)
Engine: 3.6 V6
I have to be honest with you, I am not sure. I haven't had time to dig into youtube or my pacific coast manual. I now see my error, thanks for the responses.
Last edited by cliffy; Oct 24, 2015 at 07:51 PM.
Trending Topics
I had to cut my trans line off. I used an auto disconnect tool but it was super rusty. You can patch it with some short runs of ATF-safe hose, and male to male adapters. Took a few tries to make it not leak, though.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 389
Likes: 2
From: ATX
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I had to replace my stock 0-1 Radiator recently, too
Bought the Spectra
so far, so good!
I am running the stock clutch fan for now, going to buy the aluminum 3 fan shroud and 3 FAL fans soon!
Bought the Spectra
so far, so good!
I am running the stock clutch fan for now, going to buy the aluminum 3 fan shroud and 3 FAL fans soon!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 739
Likes: 6
Year: 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK)
Engine: 3.6 V6
I got the radiator out today, I feel dumb for even asking the question as to how but live and learn. With regards to the fan clutch I will look around the new water pump showed up today so I will be starting soon, what is the advantage to this upgrade ?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 739
Likes: 6
Year: 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK)
Engine: 3.6 V6



