I uploaded some pics for your entertainment.

 

Thanks for the pic. Does the CSF have the same fin/inch as stock and the same number of tube rows vertically?

 

I took that L shaped piece out as well. You are right: next to impossible with out damaging the core on the viscous drive. I hosed the trans lines out with Aero Kroil and compressed air prior to the attempt. The top one came right off but the bottom and most awkwardly placed was a bit of a struggle as the skid plate was in my way. It was a straight forward job all things considered. No major problems other than the parts suppliers and the lack of instructions from the CSF guys.

 

I'll count them before I ship it off and let you know. Is it possible to count them on the pic or no?

 

Kinda hard to tell when viewing on a smart phone.

 

Good point. I'll do a fin count for you tomorrow.

 

Radiators usually don't come with instructions. Mine didn't.
The cfs should be same install as regular rad.

 

I just wrote a two paragraph response and deleted it...

The rad drops into place, it's just the top of the rad is different than the original. Some instructions regarding what the manufacturer expects during installation would have been nice.

Other than the bolt on pads from the factory rad are there any other parts that need to be swapped?

 

I just installed a CSF radiator and it dropped right in to my '91. I'm sure it's made to fit a wide range of years so it's one of those things where sometimes you may need to remove an extra bracket etc to fit your particular year or model. I put in a Napa water pump and fan clutch at the same time and they fit just fine, seemed like quality parts. I won't buy hard parts from Autozone, they are junk IMO. Sorry to hear your experience didn't go as smoothly.

I just took off the entire fiberglass header panel to make getting the radiator out easier. Remove the headlight trim rings and it just takes 4 bolts to remove the entire thing.

 

Removing the header would have made it a bit smoother. I spoke with the radiator barn this morning. They said they'd send me out a new one. The cracked mounting bracket on the radiator is really the only thing preventing completion of the task. Thanks for the advice and support.

 

Fin count is about 8 per inch, Same as factory rad. Tube count is 28 vertically, same as factory rad. It is copper cored with brass tanks. Customer service is in the excellent category based on communication. They telephoned me at about 9:00 AM today regarding an e-mail requesting a replacement due to a cracked mounting tab. They said a replacement would be sent out via UPS today.

 

Thanks for the info. Kiddo and I installed OE type rad from Autozone today. So far, so good.

 

Am i the only one that cant find a cap for my CSF radiator? The cap from my original radiator dosent work. The plunger part is not long enough and it dosent seal around the top lip of the radiator.

It pisses me off that a company would sell you a radiator without a cap, and not tell you that it needs a special cap to work properly. I dont think ill be buying another CSF product. This has ruined my trip to the mountains this weekend.

 

The radiator was slightly bent around where the cap seals. I straightened it out and all semms well.

 

I have a CSF 3-core with the studs and an OE radiator out of a 1998 XJ - also has the studs for the upper rubber isolators.

If the studs hit the bottom of the upper radiator support plate then your radiator isn't seated in the lower mounts.