My CSF 3-row replacement has been fine for 8+ years now; still runs around 205F. I flush and refill the coolant every 2-3 years.

I think the majority of aftermarket radiators are probably fine, it's just luck of the draw as to whether you got one that went through poor QC or was handled and delivered by Ace Ventura, regardless of the manufacturer. People have run the cheap Spectra for years, others have had reputable fancy $500 aluminum ones leak immediately. Just get whatever fits your budget.

 

I’ve had both. The aluminum radiator fit like garbage, and started leaking in less than 2 years. The specter is great fit, no problems. I just had a conversation with the guy that owns the local radiator shop and he informed me he has not had any luck with the aftermarket aluminum type radiators.

 

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Ive also run CSF, probably would go spectra again.

I noticed idling/ wheeling temp differences with the plastic tank radiators. If I had to replace one again ide likely get another spectra.

 

I have either one of those CSF and Champion on my pervious jeep. It usually last for a year or so then it start leaking at the passenger side fin seam. And it just happen that it will start leaking not long after I exercise some crazy articulation on my trip. I think its a tad too tall that it squeeze the rubber bumper too tight to the frame.

I gotta give it to their customer service. Mine has life time warranty and they send me a new one every time. (to the point where they stop producing 3 row and send me 2 row instead). That said it get tiresome to swap out radiator as annual maintainence.