Hey all,
Giving serious thought to upgrading the radiator in my XJ and came across a 3 row aluminum radiator with two electric fans for under $200 on eBay (Speed Daddy store). are 3 rows better than 2 and would a heavier duty water pump be needed? Also thinking of the silicone hoses, seems like they would be less prone to rotting, but interested if anyone has real world experience with these as well.

 

I would be very wary of that deal sounds way to cheap. I have bought several aluminum radiators over the years from Be Cools (for a 66 Chevy II SS) very costly to Griffin for all my race cars reasonable in cost.

My friend that $200 for the radiator and 2 fans sounds like an eBay deal as always "Buyer Beware" myself that is one I would pass on.

 

Thanks! I will keep on looking. In general,are more rows better?

 

Three rows holds more coolant, more capacity is never a bad thing. But I would be a little scared of a 200 rad/fan kit from eBay.

 

Google search "3 row radiator naxja"

I know there's some good info on there. A lot of the pirate guys run 3 rows too. Google "cooling bible pirate"

I personally choose to stick with the 2 row and a nice dual electric fan setup. There's really no reason to go to 3 row, but so many people run them without problems that I don't think it matters which one you go with

The thing I value most is buying a reputable brand from a reputable place. Cooling issues or problems with a radiator are the last thing you want on the trail!

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showpost.php?p=387695&postcount=7

 

Thanksfor the input and the naxja link. Defninitely will be wary of a 'too good to be true' price.

 

http://dpgoffroad.com/products/csf-h...ngler-97-06-2/

DPG sells a great 3 row brass radiator.

 

Thanks for the link. Is that what you're running in yours?

 

I've got one of those in mine, very well made and no issues so far (had it about 2-years).


One warning: if you go with a 3-row rad (any brand) make sure your motor mounts are in good shape and do not run an "oversized" (ZJ, etc.) fan clutch. The 3-row is wider than stock and is very close to the fan clutch so if you run an oversized clutch and/or have worn motor mounts there is the possibility of the fan clutch hitting and damaging the rad.

 

the solution to that problem is to delete the fan clutch

 

I like the Champion 3 rows and 3.8L Taurus electric fan. It does require modifications to get it installed though. Martinbuilt has a great comparison of the CSF and Champion 3 Row and some good Taurus fan videos: Part 1 of 5 of his Taurus fan install guide: And his Taurus fan wiring guide:

 

Thanks for the vids! Think it may be beyond my depth though..will chew on it for sure though