New radiator, need help finding one

[tjsxplodr]

I FINALLY have figured out what's leaking on my '91 X. it's the radiator. My X has a 5 speed trans, and a/c so I need to find out, does it matter what kind of radiator I choose?

 

[arco777]

I used the SPECTRA PREMIUM / COOLING DEPOT CU1164 from RockAuto on both my Explorers. It is a two row with provisions for the auto trans lines. Since you have a manual trans you could install that one and just not use the trans cooler hookups, or you could get one that is made for a manual trans (which might be a bit cheaper not having the trans heat exchanger built in). Point being I had good luck with that brand. That particular rad worked well on both Explorers even though one has AC and the other doesn't.

 

[jester1023]

I have a suggestion on brand selection. I've had excellent results with Murray Radiators (O'Reilly Auto Parts), however I bought a Ready-Rad from Advance Auto Parts and they had to replace it 4 times due to manufacturer defect. Every time it was replaced, the seal between the tank and core was leaking. I am an absolute pro at swapping radiators in a '95 Sport. You would think that I would have learned after number 2, but they have me no option for refund until I took the last one back and lost my mind on them.

 

[arco777]

I've had excellent results with Murray Radiators (O'Reilly Auto Parts),

I have also had good results with Murray products.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Oreilly doesnt seem to carry one for a manual transmission with a/c option. I am probably going to have to use one made for an automatic with a/c. The one from autozone is not specific enough on their website whether or not their manual trans radiator has a/c option.

 

[jd4242]

Ac doesnt matter with radiators..

 

[jester1023]

Ac doesnt matter with radiators..

It did back in the day, but not so much with vehicles in the '90s up to today. When vehicles were more stripped down as a base model without things like power brakes, power steering, auto trans, AC and even a radio, the radiator core size made a difference.

To the OP, the area that the trans cooler takes up in the radiator tank is fairly insignificant. If the holes for the cooler lines bother you, a couple plugs will cure that.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ok, I wasn't sure if it would matter if I used an auto one or not. It does not bother me to plug some holes...I just have to make sure that I get one that works with the a/c too. Not that the a/c works right now, it's the stock r12. Will have to have it changed over to the r134 probably by next year. But, still gotta get the right radiator.

 

[jd4242]

The shrouds are different for a auto or manual radiator though. They are different thickness. Auto is a two core where manual is one core.ac makes no difference for the explorer, same radiator for either.ac has its own condenser. .

 

[jester1023]

Ok, I wasn't sure if it would matter if I used an auto one or not. It does not bother me to plug some holes...I just have to make sure that I get one that works with the a/c too. Not that the a/c works right now, it's the stock r12. Will have to have it changed over to the r134 probably by next year. But, still gotta get the right radiator.

If it was my dilemma, I'd go with this one http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.ore...Search_radiator_5005319_1747&keyword=radiator
It has the best specs of all the ones listed on O'Reilly's website. It's also under 90 bucks. It looks like the biggest concern is whether it has one row or two. No matter what you do, go with the two row...it matters.

 

[tjsxplodr]

That one you listed is not currently available. Will have to look elsewhere.

 

[jd4242]

If it was my dilemma, I'd go with this one http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.ore...Search_radiator_5005319_1747&keyword=radiator
It has the best specs of all the ones listed on O'Reilly's website. It's also under 90 bucks. It looks like the biggest concern is whether it has one row or two. No matter what you do, go with the two row...it matters.

It doesnt matter unless he is having cooling issues.one core is plenty for a stock vehicle. Hell I ran a one core manual radiator in my supercharged automatic explorer..it also matters on the thickness if he ever plans to run a efan..the reason I ran a one core was to have room for my efan.but yes typically the more cores the better if you have clearance and price isnt a issue..
fyi this is the one I run in the ranger but had to mount it inside the core support for clearance but shouldnt matter for stock fan..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251332556753?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[tjsxplodr]

"He" is actually a "she" LOL. Not having cooling problems at all right now. No plans to run an electric fan. Stock fan works just fine. I don't need anything heavy duty. If the stock radiator is a one core, then that's what I will get.

 

[jester1023]

That one you listed is not currently available. Will have to look elsewhere.

You are correct. My apologies. Here's the other one I was looking at http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.ore...Search_radiator_5005319_1747&keyword=radiator
Though, as stated above, there may be some discrepancies with shroud fitment.

 

[tjsxplodr]

Ahh ok. So, I wonder if finding a different shroud would work. Or just not using one. Is that not a good idea?

 

[jd4242]

"He" is actually a "she" LOL. Not having cooling problems at all right now. No plans to run an electric fan. Stock fan works just fine. I don't need anything heavy duty. If the stock radiator is a one core, then that's what I will get.

Lol sorry.just order one online from advance.my all aluminum one got a hole in it and thats what I did.cost me like $60 after coupon code and picked it up the store same day.its been in the truck for two years now and never had a problem with it.just a stock one core manual radiator. .

Says without ac but its the same exact radiator for ac or non ac.dont know why it even list that
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...radiator-432190/3901327-P?searchTerm=radiator

 

[jd4242]

Ahh ok. So, I wonder if finding a different shroud would work. Or just not using one. Is that not a good idea?

Either shroud should work.auto shroud is smaller.no shroud is a bad idea

 

[jester1023]

I would definitely use the shroud, unless you plan on an electric fan (which you don't). If your radiator is a one row, you'll be fine to go back to it. When it really mattered, radiators were made of brass. The newer aluminum radiators are much more efficient. Take a measurement of your core, top to bottom and side to side between the tanks. Get the one that is as close to your factory specs as possible.

 

[tjsxplodr]

I thought so. Just wanted to be sure. I can always check the junkyards for shrouds. There aren't any Advanced auto parts stores here in Idaho. I would have to have it shipped, and I am not really sure I wanna do that with a radiator. I have not had good luck recently with UPS or FedEx.

 

[jd4242]

I would definitely use the shroud, unless you plan on an electric fan (which you don't). If your radiator is a one row, you'll be fine to go back to it. When it really mattered, radiators were made of brass. The newer aluminum radiators are much more efficient. Take a measurement of your core, top to bottom and side to side between the tanks. Get the one that is as close to your factory specs as possible.

All of them will be same measurement from top to bottom side to side...its the thickness thats different. .a one core should be very close to 1" thick.