so if the origonal manufactures make the best parts then why do we all put aftermarket parts on our jeeps to make them better?

 

If you can show me that a stock radiator will flow more volume quicker than a bigger radiator will then I will take your opinion but just saying that its so is not making it fact.

 

Dude, if I've done something to bunch your panties, I'm sorry, but get over it and contribute something worth while. Buy whatever freakin' rad u want. While you're trying to make up your mind, go look under the hoods of some late model 1/2 ton P/Us that tow 10,000 lbs and admire their 1 row plastic/aluminum rads. Bet u don't find any 3, 4, or 5 row copper/brass rads.

http://www.stewartcomponents.com/tec...ech_Tips_5.htm

http://www.arrowheadradiator.com/14_...utomobiles.htm

 

So after doing some research and reading the articles you just posted, I think I am leaning towards the all metal 2 row and a grand Cherokee bar and plate tranny cooler and ZJ HD fan clutch.

Does that sound like a solid upgrade path?

 

Funny I found this thread because I was fixing to start my own. I am fixing to replace the cooling system in my sons 96' XJ. New radiator and water pump. Couple of questions here. I am in Georgia and it gets hot as ***** during the summer. What is the best option for a new thermostat, temperature wise? What is the best option for a radiator, go back with a factory OEM or I was thinking about getting one from Morris 4x4 Center which is a 2 row heavy duty but measures 31x11.5 inches so not sure if this will fit back without any modifications? Here is the link: http://www.jeep4x4center.com/radiato...-52028133.html

Also, should I replace the fan clutch while I have everything tore apart? I am looking for the easiest replacement, all parts, with no mods but cools the engine equal to or better than a new jeep.

I am tired of his jeep always running hot everytime you come to a stop. Plus it is leaking out the top of the water pump so I have to keep adding coolant. Time for an overhaul!

 

Sounds like a plan. Some have commented that the ZJ clutch makes for more noise as the dinky XJ fan is not quite big enough to free wheel the clutch. We experimented with a big fan clutch and promptly took it off due to excessive noise

 

Absolutely replace the fan clutch........+/-$250 in parts replaces the entire cooling system including a OE type rad.

Replacing it all at once means one drain/refill.

 

Really need some advice on this one please.

 

This is what I would do.

Flush entire cooling system until water runs clear, it will take a few times.
Fill radiator with water and 2 bottles of prestone radiator flush.
Drive jeep for 50 or so miles so it gets to temp and gives flush time to work, The backflush the cooling system until water runs clear again.

Replace T-stat, Radiator, T-stat housing, Water pump, Radiator cap and coolant overflow bottle ( if yours is cracked) and any soft or squishy rad hoses and install a new fan clutch all at the same time (as an additional option you can replace coolant temp sensor as well)

do not add a lower T-stat just stick with the 195* the 180* will open a tad sooner but won't how a real benifit in summer and will run to cold in winter a 160* is wayyyy to low altogether.

As was written up above there is alot of debating on whether staying oem type 2 row or 3 row radiator. As for myself I have decided after researching my options to do all of the above and run the 2 row all metal radiator from the radiator barn.

The only optional things I plan on doing to mine is close any airgaps around the rad with foam tape so air is directed THROUGH the radiator and not around it and I will probably smooth out my T-stat housing like the HESCO version so it is a smoother free flowing design.

Hope that helps,
Matt

 

With a 180, it'll run about +/-15F degrees cooler up until about 90F ambient. Above 90 +/- ambient, virtually no difference between a 180 and 195. Our heater works fine down into the teens ambient as we run a 180 year round.

 

one thing no one has mentioned but there is the option removing your fan clutch and going to a dual electric fan to push more air

 

I upgraded from stock to a 2 row all aluminum Rad, high flow water pump, and stock 180° thermostat. My 92 never gets above 210° even on long hot uphill journeys. Couldn't be happier.

 

I believe there's post over at Jeepforum saying numerous aftermarket efan conversions had been tested for real world CFM capabilities and none could move as much air as the stock mechanical/efan combo.

With a good clutch, that fan will move some major air when needed and is nice and quiet when not needed.