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Champion Radiator Aluminum 3 core swap

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 1997tacomav6, Apr 12, 2018.

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HAS YOUR CHAMPION RADIATOR CORE FAILED?

  1. Radiator core failed 5k

    4 vote(s)
    10.8%
  2. Radiator core failed 10k

    4 vote(s)
    10.8%
  3. Radiator core failed 15k

    1 vote(s)
    2.7%
  4. Happy with radiator?

    18 vote(s)
    48.6%
  5. Radiator defect when new?

    5 vote(s)
    13.5%
  6. Radiator failed after 25k

    5 vote(s)
    13.5%
  1. Jul 26, 2019 at 4:47 PM
    #561
    Shortman5

    Shortman5 Well-Known Member

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    ..
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    TRD S/C, ADS coilovers.
    Link?

    Even a 1/4” will put that lower hose in an even worse situation. I need to add a spring, I think it collapses under load in certain situations. The figment over the campion outlet is super tight as well, it sucks.
     
  2. Jul 28, 2019 at 5:30 PM
    #562
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

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    These are the bracket one should probably use to help with The radiator failure from stress.

    I’m pretty sure this is because the stock radiator has rubber bushings in between the bracket and the radiator so it can flex. These are connected the radiator.
    The Champion has NO rubber bushings designed into its radiator.

    So I’m thinking if you put a rubber bushing in between the radiator and the front cowling, radiator support it might be the trick and there would be some play or flex available.

    The bushings are made by Hillman at Lowe’s

    BD1F561B-499B-4060-A045-2EB591ECE961.jpg
    D109048D-D569-4801-B6B5-A9F40ACA81DA.jpg
    959DD5AC-1AB2-4E0C-9301-57B3D4921AB7.jpg
    C53F9634-8869-4D24-B260-B67B80BDA2F1.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2019
  3. Jul 28, 2019 at 11:09 PM
    #563
    tony2018

    tony2018 Well-Known Member

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    don't remember the stock radiator having bushings..been a while since I looked at one.
     
  4. Jul 28, 2019 at 11:45 PM
    #564
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Never have had bushings on any of my stock radiators. Brackets are steel on oem and plastic tanks so didn't need them.

    Putting bushings only on the bolt side isn't going to do anything either. You'd need to do it on the radiator side where it gets sucked into the core support....have fun lining those up..

    Plus I'd be worried the fan would then be too close possibly.




    I never got mine replaced. Didn't bother after seeing some on here get theirs replaced only to have it fail. Instead I've though if taking it to a real radiator shop to have them fix it. Might be worth it then.
     
    1997tacomav6[OP] likes this.
  5. Jul 28, 2019 at 11:46 PM
    #565
    tony2018

    tony2018 Well-Known Member

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    Was thinking that.
     
  6. Jul 29, 2019 at 6:43 AM
    #566
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

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    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 750,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    Mmm I thought there was a bushing in between the metal side brackets and the plastic radiator tanks it’s self, maybe I m wrong,

    Yes, correct I will put the bushing on the radiator side where it gets sucked into the core support was my idea. Will see how it goes
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2019
    eimkeith likes this.
  7. Jul 29, 2019 at 7:13 AM
    #567
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

    Joined:
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    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 750,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    Here is a good installation video for the radiator for a 4runner which is close to the same, you can use the 4runner radiator for the 2001-2004 tacoma trucks.
    He shows you how to install the rubber bushings here too.
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fX_5c5oRdcI&time_continue=58
     
  8. Jul 29, 2019 at 7:29 AM
    #568
    BlackPearl

    BlackPearl Well-Known Member

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    3” lift. Sway a ways 2.5 on 285 75 16 and much more
    Was doing an oil change yesterday on my truck and found out my replacement radiator is leaking...
    I think its time to go back to OEM.
     
    Yetimetchkangmi and cruiserguy like this.
  9. Jul 29, 2019 at 7:36 AM
    #569
    1997tacomav6

    1997tacomav6 [OP] V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger,Haltech,meth, 750k

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    97 reg cab, v6 5sp 300hp supercharged, Methonal Injection, 750,001 plus miles, Original Owner
    V6 5sp,RegCab,TRD Supercharger, 1.9” pulley, methanol injected Haltech ECU, AC TRD supercharger,(MUST DO) TRD supercharger ported, every 125,000- 150,000 needs rebuild Projector headlights HID 5 speed manual Amsoil for all drive train Smaller 2” pulley, (MUST DO) 2004 DESNO fuel injectors, zero ping ping, 2004 side door mirrors Dick Cepek Rims, Michelin tires LTX, ( that last 100,000 miles) Now running Dynopro ATM mud and snow tires KN cold air intake Cat back exhaust with ss exhaust tip, Raised exhaust tail pipe to 2" below body line Optima*dry cell battery,red top Alpine sirius radio, 200 watt amp, focal is165 split door pod speakers Focal door speakers Subwoffer behind seat Viper alarm, Electric Locks Dark tinted windows, bucket seats corbeau lg1 Tacoma Rubber floor mats TRD fender extenders, Bilstien shocks, King shocks nerf bars, add a leaf for rear springs trailer iv hitch, electric brake control, Drilled slotted brakes, High carbon steel (MUST DO) EBS green stuff 7000 series pads(MUST DO) TRD engine oil cap TRD stick shift, Marlin crawl shift kit. Rear sliding window 2002 4Runner functional hood scoop cut into Tacoma hood, 4Runner dual overhead map light Gentex Auto dim + Compass + Temp, garage,rearview mirror Snow Methonal kit stage 2 Custom 3 core aluminum radiator Linex bed liner Haltech stand alone ECU, Intake supercharger gauge. Stainless steel brake lines, Custom leather wrapped steering wheel,
    Sadly to say I’m going a different direction, mine is weeping on both sides now after 35,000 miles. Maybe bushing will help maybe not, it might just be a quality control issue

    20190728_173809_1564360990401.jpg

    BFC96F69-FC4C-490B-B9E6-A317F3BEF293.jpg
    DAA466E0-D98D-4BD2-9552-89BDEB003815.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2019
  10. Jul 29, 2019 at 8:33 AM
    #570
    BlackPearl

    BlackPearl Well-Known Member

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    Not sure if its a quality control issue but I don't want to take a 3rd chance to see if it will start leaking in the first 5-10k miles. They are just not a quality product.
    If anyone else wants to give them a try I can try to go threw the warranty replacement and just pay for shipping.
     
  11. Jul 29, 2019 at 9:04 AM
    #571
    El Taco Diablo

    El Taco Diablo Professional Pinstriper

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    Just 3 tons of fun!!!
    @foxrcing07
     
    foxrcing07 likes this.
  12. Jul 29, 2019 at 9:05 AM
    #572
    foxrcing07

    foxrcing07 KO7FOX

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    PM sent
     
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2019
    BlackPearl[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Jul 29, 2019 at 12:31 PM
    #573
    Yetimetchkangmi

    Yetimetchkangmi Well-Known Member

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    Gotta say that these failures are BS!
    If mine fails, I going back to OEM.

    Larger companies get sued for product failure due to quality control (Ford, Boeing, etc).
     
    1997tacomav6[OP] likes this.
  14. Jul 29, 2019 at 12:35 PM
    #574
    Luv my yota

    Luv my yota Well-Known Member

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    I’ve got a brand new stock radiator in the plastic for a automatic if anyone wants it 120.00 takes it + shipping. PM if interested
     
  15. Jul 29, 2019 at 12:36 PM
    #575
    Yetimetchkangmi

    Yetimetchkangmi Well-Known Member

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    Location?
    You don't have that listed in your profile/signature/avatar
     
  16. Jul 29, 2019 at 12:37 PM
    #576
    Luv my yota

    Luv my yota Well-Known Member

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    Palmdale, Ca 93551
     
  17. Jul 30, 2019 at 8:52 AM
    #577
    what road

    what road Apprentice of the Derp

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    alot still need done
    Have they fixed the issues with the welds or whatever was going on?
     
  18. Jul 30, 2019 at 9:37 AM
    #578
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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  19. Jul 30, 2019 at 10:02 AM
    #579
    what road

    what road Apprentice of the Derp

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    alot still need done
    Damn
     
  20. Aug 9, 2019 at 3:55 AM
    #580
    SilverGhost

    SilverGhost Well-Known Member

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    Well will see how long mine last. I just put it in and the truck is running again.
     

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