Im buying a new radiator for my 1988 4.0 jeep comanche, It has the closed loop style cooling system that the renix engines had. Im looking for a good aftermarket radiator.
I have a few questions

1. Is a 3 row better than a 1 row?
2. Whats a good brand?


I also am going to run a HD fan clutch so I am concerned with a 3 row after market being to think and to close to the fan clutch

I am also looking for one that will be a drop in bolt in replacement with little to no mods.

and last but not least im on a budget . I would like to keep it in the 100 dollar or so range but I am willing to go up to 200 if needed.

 

Is a 3 row better than a 1 row? Not if the rest of the system is working properly...

Dorman will do.


You need to go to the parts store and order a radiator for a 1988 Jeep Comanche 4.0. They will hand you a radiator, you will pay for the radiator then you will install the radiator. Done deal. Simple as that.


You're not going to find an upgraded radiator for cheap.

 

Junk yard is always a option, all you are looking for is one with a filler neck. A rad out of a 90/91 the newer you go the less likely they will have the option of having the elect fan sensor hole. But to solve that problem you just gotta run a switch to close the circuit.

$50 for rad.
$10 for 6 feet of 5/8 heater hose
$12 new heater control valve
Or $10 for junk yard valve with hoses so all you gotta do is connect
$10 for a overflow tank
And some hose clamps and antifreeze

I have gotten both of mine for the jy and it was a well worth upgrade I haven't done the zj fan but I plan on running another stock elect fan

 

I understand what you are saying but If I could find a better than stock radiator within my budget I would do that. I at least want a all metal on, instead of the one with the plastic tanks. Also I always say If something is worth doing its worth over doing.

 

Thanks for the info but I definitely do not want to go with JY parts, I have had bad experinces in the past with them and would rather fork over the money for new. I also Was not looking to convert to the open looped system. I do not think It is necessary. The closed loop works fine as long as all air is purged out of the system.

 

Yea it works good when its purged I just didn't like idea of a pressure bottle vs a rad cap yea it pretty much the same I liked the idea of being able to keep a little extra just in case if I need it but like you said make it worth it if your goin to upgrade

 

Even if it a couple of extra buck upgrad to open system well worth it in long run ....get off the bottle...lol