Mystery Radiator Size from Hell

Long story short, I need a new radiator. Deciphered through the 3 height options and figured out I needed a 20.75 (not the 18.75 or the 22.75). Went to O'Reilly, got the part. Got it mostly installed before I noticed the bolt pattern was justly slightly off. Measured the width, 26 3/8...the box said 25.5...checked my old radiator, 25.5. Took it back, measured the 18.75 and the 22.75 (both of which said 25.5 on the box), and they were both 26 3/8. Ran over to Advanced and checked their alleged 25.5...26 3/8 also. Dealerships list a 2WD manual, 2WD auto, or a 4WD auto. Unfortunately, I have a 4WD manual TRD. I can't figure out what OEM PN I need. The Harrison PN is 52469686, but that's not Toyota's number. All the parts stores are stumped. Thoughts?

 

Just drill the holes where they need to be .

I have the same radiator in my 2000 Tacoma 92 4Runner 87 4Runner and one in the 86 Turbo pick up.

It only takes a little thinking

 

Typically the difference between manual and auto is the presence of a trans oil cooler built into the lower tank of the radiator, so you can use the one meant for the auto and just leave the lower trans hose fittings capped.

 

when I replaced the radiator in mine, the bolt holes were off a smidgen, a little creative prying got the bolts started without having to drill...maybe you should revisit the close fit (and remeasure your old one again), don't know why these aftermarket radiators are such a problem with the bolt holes....there are three different sizes for these years, I measured mine at least a half dozen times before ordering...fortunately it worked in the end....

 

You are correct. The one I purchased had the tranny cooler (the only option for aftermarket, really) and I intended to just use it. Unfortunately, it was just too far off.

Yeah, I measured mine a bajillion times because I just couldn't believe it. I had it side by side with the new one and they were clearly different. The crazy thing is the box the new one came in has the exact same measurements written on it as what my old one is. And I don't think there's any fudging with the fit, it's a full 7/8" off. With the bolt in one side you couldn't hardly even see the other side's bolt hole. I'd really like to avoid drilling.

I almost wonder if I just got a one-off setup, like they ran out of the normal radiators that day and slapped the wrong part number on mine...

 

Denso's parts finder is a bit more straightforward. You'll want Denso P/N

$168 221-3138 Radiator

221-3138. Bolt holes should not be "off a smidgen" with these because Denso makes the OE ones for Toyota...

 

I appreciate it! Mine is actually made by Harrison, but it looks like that PN works with the Denso too.

 

I guess it comes down to how soon you need the truck!!

Quality control is quite poor these days

parts boxed wrong .

 

I hate doing things half way. If my stealership doesn't have the part, my commute might be made by bike this week!

 

I don't like aftermarket radiators. They don't last long is worry the extra money to buy quality. I put in aftermarket in at the body shop and wonder how many of those things are leaking within just a few years

 

I don't really care so long as they have a lifetime warranty.

Follow up note: after talking to several dealerships, I've confirmed the part number for my VIN is 16410-0C032. This is the same radiator used in the 2.4 and 2.7 4WD, but not the same as the 3.4 automatic 2WD or 4WD. Unfortunately, there is a nationwide backorder and no one will even give me an estimated date of arrival. I think I'll roll the dice with rockauto.

 

I have had good luck with Rock Auto....they carry the Denso brand at a righteous price...

Amazingly, the actual OEM radiators run about $187 to $209 if you get them on Ebay from Toyota dealers, since I am a cheap bastard, I went with Advance Auto for less than half the price....

I would guess a bit more at the dealer depending on whether they stick to Toyota strict retail pricing guidelines....

 

The price scheme for those curious:
$245-290 from a dealer (12 month)
$150 from the big 3 parts houses (lifetime warranty)
$74 ($90 shipped) from Rock Auto (lifetime warranty)

 

Dealer is always most expensive, internet only, pretty much always least expensive. Even from the chain parts houses you're not always getting an exact fit. You get one that is appropriate in cooling, generally generic in mounting. I replaced one in my '96 before I sold it. It came in with the tranny cooler section, size wise wasn't perfect, but fit well enough. I can't remember if I added a hole in the support or not to make it fit. It's been a while, but memory says it came from ebay and was a denso. Height was about right, width was narrower.

 

OEM radiator was 200 bucks. Go get the right oem one.

 

I have the all copper and brass one in a few of my Toyota`s vehicles

Now my stock radiator brackets unbolted from the radiator do yours ??

The after market radiator might be made to bolt to those brackets then the radiator support

Then I have the 3.4

 

Success! Turns out the Autozone Spectra brand (PN–CU1774) is a closer match than the other chains. The hangers were still tight but no cutting was required and everything bolted up as it should. Exact same outside dimensions as the stocker and it took all but an ounce of the coolant I took out. Most importantly, it came with a lifetime warranty. I always try to put OEM parts on my truck, but it's hard to justify spending $100 more to have only a 12 month warranty on a part that is designed with a limited life expectancy.

For those who are in a similar boat in the near future, one of the nicer dealers I spoke to explained that the nationwide backorder is 100 deep currently but that it is an improvement from the 300 deep last year. Thanks for all the input and I hope this threads helps someone else out.

 

It's not cheaper though..when you pull the radiator every year or two time is money and then you consider that you're gonna be replacing the antifreeze again...you're loosing...

 

I replaced no antifreeze. I recovered it, filtered it, and put it back in. It was only 7 months old.

If it goes that fast, then I'll agree with you that it wasn't worth it. But my experience with parts store parts has been overwhelmingly positive. Besides, what's my other option? Let my truck sit in my driveway for 6 months until Harrison makes some more crappy radiators for Toyota that I can put in?

I agree that by in large OEM is best, but it's not universally true. Just because the manufacturer selected a particular vendor doesn't mean they are the end all. Heck, look at the sorry excuse for leaf springs we have. I'd give someone my sagging springs for just about any aftermarket brand.

 

Who replaces their radiator every year?