Aluminum radiator for XJ - BEWARE!!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I-6 HO
Last Fall I bought one of those brand new Active Performance all-aluminum radiators for the XJ that are in the Quadratec catalog. I knew heat was always an issue with the XJ, and I thought it would work great to keep the engine nice & cool. I have an aluminum unit in my CJ that's made by an outfit called Be-Cool, and it works perfect.
All through the Winter it worked fine with no problems. Well, now... less than 8 months since initial install (and professional install, too) I have to replace it because the entire side weld seam blew out and it is leaking like the Titanic!!!!!! And of course it is past their 90 day factory warranty period, so I have to take it in the shorts! WOW!! Nothing like flushing $500 down the stool!!


And now of all times, as I lost my job 2 weeks ago when Chrysler shut down until... whenever. Crap. Anyhow, I opted to replace it with a genuine MOPAR stock unit. At least I know that will hold up. Maybe later I can look into one of those cowl induction hoods as an alternative way to help keep the mill cool. *SIGH*
Buyers beware!!! Your mileage may vary, but please keep my misfortune in mind if you're contemplating buying one of these things.
All through the Winter it worked fine with no problems. Well, now... less than 8 months since initial install (and professional install, too) I have to replace it because the entire side weld seam blew out and it is leaking like the Titanic!!!!!! And of course it is past their 90 day factory warranty period, so I have to take it in the shorts! WOW!! Nothing like flushing $500 down the stool!!



And now of all times, as I lost my job 2 weeks ago when Chrysler shut down until... whenever. Crap. Anyhow, I opted to replace it with a genuine MOPAR stock unit. At least I know that will hold up. Maybe later I can look into one of those cowl induction hoods as an alternative way to help keep the mill cool. *SIGH*
Buyers beware!!! Your mileage may vary, but please keep my misfortune in mind if you're contemplating buying one of these things.
Last edited by Dirty Harry; May 13, 2009 at 12:10 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 23
From: Herndon, VA
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
The factory cooling system works fine to keep these things cool if everything is in working order...I don't understand spending so much to get an alternative radiator anyway.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,989
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, WA.
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 liter RENIX I-6, DIY Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator
X 4 on a CFS 3 core radiator. The 4.0 liter XJs all should have come OEM with a 3 row radiator.
. I think those are rough because the vehicle isn't moving very fast, but much higher revs.
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Seasoned Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: Northwood, Ohio
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
What's the average running temp with the CFS 3 row? My wife and I want to take our XJ from ohio to Moab and the Grand canyon. Cooling is a major concern for me.
::CF Administrator::
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Anyways moral of the story if you are having heat issues and have replaced everything look at the heater valve. Mechanic told me if it's not working properly it could be a restriction in proper coolant flow through out the entire system. Bottom line to eliminate heat issues you have to address the entire system not just the common parts.
I know that's a touch off-topic but someone mentioned heating issues somewhere I think..

Oh and the CFS is definitely the way to go it will provide more surface area for cooling and heat disipation. Really a no brainer IMHO. Also IMHO the Jeep's from the factory should have had better radiators.
Heres the specs/dimensions for the 3 row HD..... most local radiator shops can get one of these for under $200.
http://www.hescosc.com/shop.asp?acti...924&catId=9388
http://www.hescosc.com/shop.asp?acti...924&catId=9388


