Radiator just split after replacing head gasket,2001 Cherokee Auto, straight 6, 2WD (h20 pump was leaking but never overheated per dash gauge) Question: I’m setting this Jeep up for towing, should I upgrade the radiator?
Thanks

Radiator, trans cooler, brakes...

I would just make sure that all the components are working properly. flush the block and heater core. You can upgrade the fan to an electric fan like one off a taurus(I know, ford junk but its what a lot of people do and people that run the rubicon use this set up as well) or get one off jeggs or summit or what ever your favorite place to get parts is. The e fan will also take some work load off the motor so you should see an increase in power or mpg's or both. Just putting a new stock radiator will help a ton if the old one was clogged. You can also put oil coolers for the trans and motor if you want to get fancy.

Personally, I would not use my xj to tow anything more than a light utility trailer. I have used it to tow much larger loads but I feel that it was a lot of strain on the motor, tranny, rear end, and unibody among other things. I know people are going to chime in and say their xj can tow anything and what ever, It can tow lots of stuff however, I would use something better suited for towing like a full size pick up truck.

If you cant use any other vehicle to tow with then just be safe about it and make sure that your breaks work properly and your pads have good life left in them. this is our life as well as your own so we never want to be a danger on the road.

I wish you good luck and happy trails.

An auxiliary transmission cooler is a must. A rear disk break conversion would be ideal. And a new radiator would also be a great idea

Thanks for the info. We found a brass 3 row radiator, I figure the metal should not split sensationally like the plastic and the 3 rows should help with cooling capacity. So installed it and checked coolant for rust: I will monitor and flush and change additional hoses come winter. Just took it up to the mountains: h20 temp in the same run normal range.
Some will say not to run an additional transmission cooler because, like an engine, a transmission needs some heat to run properly, especially if I’m only towing occasionally… thanks again.

Anyone that says installing an aux. cooler on a trans is a bad idea is an automotive idiot, just sayin. Heat is the #1 destroyer of an automatic trans, regardless if its being used for towing or not. Installing a cooler and a shift kit to bump the line psi up and eliminate some/all of the slip that a stock trans has are the two best things you can do to extend your tranny's life without going into it fully.

this is the best thing I've ever seen posted.
Auto tranny+heat=death.

with that being said, i have two tranny coolers on my heep.
stock one and a larger aftermarket one. tranny still gets warm, but not hot.

Any info on this shift kit you speak of?

TransGo makes one for the AW4 don't they? My Heep as well as the Wrongler I used to have are both 5sp so I haven't ever looked for one myself.

Edit: Here's the TransGo kit.
http://transgoonline.com/products.ph...dcountview=Yes