Champion Radiator Aluminum 3 core swap

Ok, thanks for the info!!

 

No problem. I got mine for 180 from eBay. For the price, it was worth a shot to me. Definitely worth it imo.

 

They are a great radiator if you get one that doesn’t end up leaking.
Just don’t be surprised if it pops a leak down the road and be prepared for your next step if it does in advance so you have a plan already Because under warranty the replacement might not be available and have to wait 3 months for another shipment till available

 

Good to know. So far so good. I'll keep an eye on it now tho. luckily it's my second vehicle so if it does go, I'll just throw in another one.

I kind of want to get it pressure tested now though.

 

Mine worked fantastic for 30,000 miles then it popped two leaks for no reason.

They were back order for warranty replacement for 3 months so had to go a different route.

Just an FYI

 

Got ya. Maybe I'll just order another one and have it on hand.

 

Just have a stock 100 backup ready

 

After reading all the replies in this thread I’m thinking it might need to be installed with rubber isolators. The lack of plastic in it may make it too rigid for an off-road truck.
Any thoughts?

 

Yup

 

I think because radiator is not super thick aluminum any stress on it from the frame twisting whether you're four-wheel driving May crack the radiator welds,
I'm pretty sure that's what's happening to these radiators rubber bushing might help a little bit but it would have to have a lot of flex

 

I suspect this as well.

 

Is there a link to rad bushings?

 

google.com

Find the size of the screws that hold the radiator in (EDIT: I think they are M6, but don't quote me). Find rubber bushings that will fit those. I'd go with something around 1/4" thick, then bolt the radiator into the truck with them between radiator and radiator support. (EDIT: buy longer bolts, too)

That said, I doubt twisting is the problem. Vibration might be.

 

No. They are trash.

 

Found this thread after receiving my Champion radiator(98 4Runner) and see a giant sticker saying to use “Only the green stuff” for antifreeze.

For anyone who has run or is running a champion radiator, did you run Toyota Red or Green? Did champion chalk up the failure to that?

When I called champion to ask about running Red they said that they had reported failures due to running Red and to switch over to Green and by doing so I save money...Not too happy with them since they are building radiators for Toyota’s and not mentioning anything prior to purchase about not being able to run the coolant our vehicles are spec’d with.

 

I run red. So far no issues, about 7 months.

 

That’s too bad this radiator has questionable reliability. I take my truck to remote places to often to risk it.

 

I didn't have that sticker on mine when I put it in. Never heard that before.
I run the proper antifreeze- Toyota red, and have no issues.

 

Well chalk up another failure. I have had mine for about 30k miles and it just started leaking at the bottom. I don't wheel and do a lot of road driving.

That RED fluid must have sprung the leak.

 

Join the club, mine went out at 30k miles too