OEM vs Koyo. Which radiator should I install?

After being told that the OEM radiator I bought was backordered an indeterminable about of time, I pulled the trigger on a Koyo radiator (and cap). They were both delivered the same day a week later.

Which one should I install and which one should I return? The Koyo is about $120 more, not including the rubber washers I still need to buy. I don't mind the expense if it's a worthwhile upgrade. The OEM one did last 19 years though.

 

I'd prefer OEM but also I'd do a comparison of both outside the box.

 

I am sure which you decide you should be able to sell the other one quite easy.

I never have returned anything less then a $1000.00 because I always lost to much money.

Shipping damage is another story.

 

If you install the Toyota radiator, it too should last for another 15-20 years. If it were me, I would return the Koyo radiator, 'specially 'cause it cost $120 more than the Toyota radiator.

 

Good point. Return shipping on the Koyo is free as long as it's unopened, but the OEM wouldn't be.

 

Thanks, I'm thinking that $120 could cover some new splash guards.

 

Where did you buy the OEM from?

 

Is one of them all aluminum? That might explain the price difference.

Might wanna open to box and pick the one that UPS didn't play Frisbee with.

 

SOHi Performance. Best price I could find and it arrived earlier than expected.

https://shop.sohiperformance.com/product/koyo-95-04-toyota-tacoma-v6-4x4-manual-radiator-vh010513

 

Where did you get thd OEM one from?

 

The Koyo is all aluminum. I'll be crossing the return Rubicon when I open it, but I can already tell it's packaged better. The OEM one was a box inside a box. I thought the jostling heard was the inner box flopping inside the outer box. Nope, turns out that was the radiator flying around the inner box. I'm an idiot for not checking.

 

Lagrange Toyota. They've always been great.

 

I'd prefer that aluminum radiator. The tank is never going to leak or separate.

 

Aluminum can crack as well.

 

I've never had a cracked aluminum radiator. But I've replaced who knows how many leaking plastic tanks. Both are good choices, but I still prefer all aluminum.