Radiator suggestions

Found evidence of a seep in the upper radiator hose. Hose is new so might just need a new band clamp to replace the factory compression style clamp. But looking for suggestions on a replacement radiator just in case. Truck is all stock. Replaced normal wear items with nothing but factory components so far. Don't tow. 4wd occasionally and I do live at 4000' and drive varying elevations frequently. Stick with stock or try something aftermarket?

 

If it's lasted 10 years, get another stocker

 

I have more faith in aftermarket products. I recently replaced my radiator with a radiator from carquest/advance auto parts.

 

In my "Merican" trucks and JEEPS yes aftermarket because they sucked. I had an 83 Toyota truck with original radiator and it was perfectly fine. I'm sure it's ok but get it tested if your worried

 

Aftermarket or OEM will work. Which ever one you're the most comfortable with. I like to stick with OEM products, but will purchase aftermarket if it's significantly cheaper.

 

Agreed, I went with a specter, cheapest I could find. I go oem for everything that involves a moving part, but I think heater cores, ac condensers, radiators, etc it's ok to hit up aftermarket

 

There's now all aluminum ones available on Amazon at decent prices. Haven't seen anyone here get one yet. Got one from O'Reilly (Murray I think it was) after an eBay didn't fit. But that was my bad for not checking the measurements.. But if I ever need another it'll be one of those aluminums.

 

99.9% of these situations are because a piece of the old hose is still stuck to the radiator and that is what is causing the leak, the other 0.01% its a crack in the radiator neck.

no matter what, only use the same style clamp, hose clamps cause leaks and when over tightened, will crack the radiator neck.

if you are sure the clamp isn't holding tight then just bend it by squeezing it smaller until it fits tight again, I have never seen one get weak or go bad unless it breaks or is super rusty

 

I have hose clamps on mine. Can I get the pictured type of clamp from the auto parts store? Do they come in different pressures?

 

Search out "pink milkshake" There have been reports of the internal, transmission cooler going bad. The results is transmission fluid mixed with coolant or visa versa.

You didn't say if you were automatic or manual transmission. If you are automatic, get a replacement. You got your moneys worth with that one.

I always laugh when I read about Tacoma radiators. My previous Tacoma went thru 5 radiators. They all died resulting from external trauma.

 

Buy stock if you can afford it..aftermarket is hit and miss. I hated putting them in at the body shop but that's all insurance would pay for most of the time..

 

@CodeSeven

I have more faith in aftermarket products. I recently replaced my radiator with a radiator from carquest/advance auto parts

how has that carquest radiator been. I'm looking at one for my 03 DC. has it held up okay or are they crap.

 

I've had an Amazon version in my truck (s) for 8 years.

It spent 3 years in my '98 then I put it in my '04.

 

was that the Amazon version of the

$152 Denso 2213138 Denso 221-3138 Radiator

Denso 2213138 radiator. I've also been looking at that. just thinking about the "lifetime" warranty if I happen to go with Advance Carquest Premium radiator, and I can get 25% off ordering it online.

 

The Tacoma radiator is in the 100.00 price range,
It’s like the timing belt, it will wear out.
Just get a new one and don’t expect it to last 10 years,
They are made with A LOT of plastic, I’ve gone through 4 at least till I had a custom aluminum one made 4 me

 

Yep. Disposable part.

Shops will do a coolant flush for you for $125. You can by a new rad and 2 gallons of coolant for $110. They are so easy to change I know which way I'm going.