Radiator for ALL pro Baja

Got an all pro Baja bumper today then saw the part about some radiators not fitting. Well, looks like mine is one of the ones that won’t fit. 2003 dc 4x4 auto.

wondering what radiator others have gone with who ran into same issue. And what other parts or things I should be looking for as well

thanks.

 

Got a link to what the bumper looks like? I have a custom bumper but I ditched my stock v6 radiator for a 4 banger one to get a better approach angle. Maybe you can do something like I did.

 

Wheelers suggest grabbing a radiator from one of the 4cyl. Do you know which one you got? no issued with cooling downsizing?

 

The radiators come in 3 sizes.

IIRC, there's the 22.5" for the v6 autos (with an integrated trans cooler), the 21" for the 5 speeds (no cooler), and the 18" are for the 2.4L.

Pretty sure the smaller 21" will fit, but if you're an auto, you need to get an external trans cooler. I have one, but it is routed in line with the stock cooler, so I'd get the biggest one you can to keep that trans as cool as possible.

 

I was thinking about grabbing this. Would save me about the 5 or so inches I need. Says it includes a trans cooler in it. I also have an aid trans cooler.

 

I would be hesitant to get a smaller rad that still has an integrated trans cooler - you're reducing the cooling capacity for your engine. I mean, it might be okay, but just something to think about.

 

I still get up to 215 with my current radiator w/ built in cooler and aux cooler. so im more scared to lose extra trans cooling

 

215 isn't all that hot. I've had my 4runner up to like 235 towing a 4300# trailer up a 11+% grade, and the fluid is no worse for wear.

 

Absolutely NO issues with cooling. Drove it to the desert, with the A/C on during the summer and it was just fine. I picked up a stock OEM radiator. My truck is at the paint shop but when I get it back Saturday, I can get a measurement for you.

 

Talked to a few others and think I’m going to have the bumper modified rather than decrease the radiator size.

Thanks for the input all

 

Isn't the flash point of a true synthetic oil around 450F anyways? I heard that oil needs to be around 220f before it can begin to evaporate any water content in it which is why short drives are bad for engines.

 

Oil (and trans fluid) breaks down WAY before the flashpoint.

I don’t think you need to hit 220 to get condensation out of the crankcase, I think it’s more about warmth and time than any specific temp. Water will evaporate faster at any temp above resting cold, so just drive it for a while

 

You can try the Champion or similar radiator. They’re shorter. That’s what I have with my AllPro, Champion, and so far it hasn’t fail yet. 1st gen 4x4 auto have the tallest radiator because the cooler for the auto trans is built into it. I also run a separate Hayden trans cooler. I don’t daily mine either so that helps. Some people have had bad luck with them.

 

I daily mine and take it on long trips so reliability is my number one. We ended up notching part of the radiator cover on the bumper out and it fits great. Actually took out a little more than we needed but all good. Not sure why all pro doesn’t just make it fit all the radiators as there’s plenty of room if they don’t come in at an angle at the bottom like it does

 

Might be for more clearance. Also they probably thought most 1st gen that went off road were manual drive which would have the shorter radiator. Approach angles matters for certain obstacles, going up and down. If your radiator is too low and or expose you might hit it on the trails. Also depends on what kind of trails you do and if there’s any obstacles in the way. It’s something we don’t think about until we have more experience of doing different trails.

 

it clears the bottom plate where the skids attach. They just have 2 side plates that come in at an angle that get in the way. If they squared it off instead of taperd it it would clear all radiators. And wouldn’t change appearance or approach angle

 

Would those skid plate flex and hit the radiator on impact? I even have a dent in my skid plate.

 

The 3/16 steel used for the radiator protector on the all pro is much thicker than the stock Tacoma skid so I think either way it’s better off in the all pro even if notched a bit

 

I have AllPro skid plates.