1998 tacoma 2.7 5spd 4x4 radiator purchase experiences

1998 Tacoma 2.7 5spd 4x4 radiator purchase experiences
On-line, after market or dealer best prices experiences - thanks

 

Depends on How you use your Truck .Slow speed crawling in 100 degrees plus weather .

I doubt the dealer still has a good part # for a 98 truck.

Do you want the Aluminum core and plastic tanks , All metal Decide what you want and look around .

Many are happy with Auto zone or that type vendor.

I like buying local because replacing damaged ones can be time consuming

 

Most replacement radiators for that age vehicle will be configured for an automatic so they only have to carry one item.

Not to worry. Just cap off the lines that would connect to the transmission and use it.

If a vehicle is a long term keeper for me, I always seek out an all metal unit. For me, it's always been the plastic tanks that failed.

 

I just replaced the radiator in my 02 manual. I went with OEM, and yes they still have them, because i could not find an after market one that was for a manual transmission. You could put in one made for an automatic and not use the transmission ports i guess. There's not much difference in cost of after market vs OEM,

 

15k on my OSC so far, no complaints.

 

Appreciate the replies ...
smithlaketaco
What was your source for your radiator?
My location Oreally is like 200 plus..
They also list 4wd as separate unit I believe @ 197.00

 

When you want to tag someone, either quote them directly as I've done with this post, or do their name as @smithlaketaco or @badaboom

 

I went with the champion......best barr-nun out there....
but they dont list one for the 4x4.....only for the rwd like mine......

https://www.championcooling.com/

1995-1996-1997-1998-1999-2000-2001-2002-2003-2004-Toyota-Tacoma (championcooling.com)

Even though they are out of stock.....there are 3rd party vendors selling these for champion...not knockoffs......
bought mine off ebay.....because I got the free shipping that way....
and works awesome..holds about 50% more coolant..half inch thicker...

The guys on here saved my ass....cause you cant use the asian coolant in these.......probably something to do with the Tig flux....and not the aluminum....

Hence the asian ones are PRESSED together........go figure.....

 

Appreciate the lead
Quote a revelation

 

Welll…


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/champion-radiator-aluminum-3-core-swap.543859/

 

Yes...back in 2017/2018 had a problem and a redesign....supposedly for some of the tacoma/4runner models....

If click on their blog on there website......it'll show you what the pink stuff does...
they're pretty open about it.......their main customers are picky custom builders.....

Its come to my attention......Timmy recommends mounting all aluminum solid state raditors on rubber bushings between radiator and chassis....

Again my guess its something in the Hoat coolant attacking something.....
maybe thats why the Denso's all fail..................eventually......
probably all the solid state radiators are at risk......its just these sell more than anyone else.....probably depends on the welding flux used.....

If it does fail you guys will be first to hear......unfortunately I have an almost new denso one in box for backup......so the other one probably never will.....

either way.....I'm never going back to the pink stuff......just flush the yellow/green stuff every couple years.....to protect all that aluminum.....

Using Peak's latest......premix....

I think the 3rz's rampant head gasket failures are related to this very issue.......
the pink stuff maybe etching the heads, or eating gasket, right at the gasket edge.........too many failures......
They made the Hoat formula to last 7 years to save a little......so the Hoat is in all your brandnew engines ........for 7 to 10 years.........OUCH!

And yes.....I tooo am a 3rz head gasket vic........

 

Well on replies to timmys champion install....
someone says they used the bushings.....and if still failed....30K...

So.....new plan...
hardmount one bolt....slot the other three chassis holes...mount these on bushings.....to allow for tank expansion.....
dont think its frameflex getting them....

I would not recommend these for 4X4's........
at least until they come out with beef up model for 4x4s.....

 

use oem, tho theyre all backirdered, get a denso one

 

Well I did it......pulled it out and slotted out 3 of the 4 chassis holes.....
one hard anchor and the other three snug but float on 3 bushings....to allow expansion give...
and yeah the bottom one was crook-in a little before I moded it.....while still cold....yikes!

hopefully we'll never speak of this.........ever again.....
no follow up ..... is a good follow up....

 

You guys saved my ass......
........AGAIN....... thanks......

 

Sorry to just be getting back to you but there are several dealerships that do internet sales. I got mine from serra toyota dealership in decatur alabama.

 

Some of the mega auto dealers......have parts distribution centers that supply all that states dealers....but open to public....

I can get toyota parts there about 40% off.......axle cap there $4......at the dealer $9 and next day wait....
'BobHoward Auto Mall'............Bob Howard Parts Distribution Center....ask your local dealer parts guy where he gets his inventory.....

My guess this is how 'Mcgeorge Toyota' and other online giants came to be...

Pretty sure Toyota parts.com is this Bob Howard .....they drop ship me something from BOB...........however their shipping is outrageous.......
$35 shipping and they're(BOB distribution) about a mile from my house...... the dot com does not allow local pickup option.....
but do OTC if its in stock........

 

The one i used is about 30 miles and it does allow local pickup. about the same prices you mentioned

 

Everywhere I check for the 1998 tacoma 4wd 2.7 radiator discontinued or unavailable
https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...=DLX;5=MTM;6=5F;8=XTR;10=W;0=RZN171L-CRMDKAB)
Your Price: $348.19
Retail Price: $508.93
You Save: $160.74
Currently unavailable........most everywhere I check

 

i just did a quick search for a 1998 4wd 2.7 MT on the serra decatur alabama sight and it list for $190.07. To make sure it fits they want the VIN. Thats where i ordered the one for my 02 from. They had it in about 3 days, but like the poster said above i do not know about shipping prices because i picked mine up. Here's the url Toyota Parts and Accessories Online - Serra Toyota of Decatur in Decatur, AL.