Aluminum radiator advise needed please

Good morning TW folks!
I need help finding the right aluminum radiator to replace the chinese garbage that Oreilly sells. I replace my radiator about 3 years ago with the Oreilly $180 replacement. It worked for a year then crapped out, got a new one under warranty and now it has crapped out too.
I want to replace it this time with a high quality, direct fit, one and done aluminum radiator. But I don’t know which one is going to last the longest or not require alterations to the truck to fit it. Im in texas so it gets stupid hot during the summer, last August it hit 113 degrees here!
If anyone knows the best option without costing an arm and a leg for a solid reliable aluminum radiator for our trucks please lend an old taco driver some advice!
thank you in advance!!
2002 v6 4wd double cab automatic

 

I can’t help with the radiator, but I suggest running some cooling fans. An oem radiator is fine

honestly may want to look at your thermostat and head gaskets. Plenty of those older Tacoma’s running around in hotter places without issue

 

I haven't had any problems with the Mishimoto one I replaced about 6 years ago. Seems to be fairly good quality for having plastic tanks. Similar to the OEM one.

 

I bought an all aluminum one off Rockauto - the lilland global brand i think - and I've had no issues for over a year since install and im in central TX. direct install, and tig weld beads look really nice. its Chyna but wut u gonna do.

 

I use the denso one and haven't had any issues. Been about two years now. Made in taiwan. Plastic end tanks but seems to last longer than full aluminum. Go figure.

 

Define crapped out. Cracked leaked. Denso ones are good. Got you 20 years probably good for another 20 assuming you don't have other issues.

 

CSF is quality stuff. I've had CSF aluminum radiators on other vehicles woith no problems.

https://jeepandtruckparts.com/produ...MI3Z6s6ujlhAMVRRWtBh1wwAGJEAQYASABEgJlLvD_BwE

 

1st gen all aluminum radiator, koyo | Tacoma World

A few people are using the Koyo

 

Radiator cracked and leaking heavily.

 

What's wrong with a Denso?

They last, it's cheaper than the O'Reilly's you quoted, and I fail to see why you ignored the obvious choice?

But if you had to go aluminum for whatever reason, go with a Liland (under $400) or go custom (over $5-600)

 

If you're going aluminum, buy one without the transcooler or eliminate it completely and run an external. Why chance it with the pink milkshake syndrome.

 

Ok denso it is

 

That's for sure

 

i have a copper one you can have reworked.

 

I live in Oklahoma, and I think denso's are crap....

they are weak and not up to the job down in south....

single core plastic crimp top radiator.......kinda like a starter printer cartridge...

and the non oem copies last only couple/ 3 years....as you saw.

There's a reason the denso's are holding at little more than $100...
they are now made in mexico.....ugh

todays stuff is not your fathers oem anymore.....sad but true....


If you deviate to an all aluminum one.....you cant continue to use the red coolant...
that causes problems/reacts with the alloy brazing's that they use....

If you go denso, just expect it to last 48~60 months......and watch real close for first couple weeks.
That replacement wont get anywhere near the original 10~20yr ones...

If you buy a generic one....you risk the red sauce messing with what ever they used to braze it together.....

 

I have a triple core champion......it holds 1.5 times the denso....

Considering a failure is a possible new head or gasket.....the stakes are high.




....surely none of you go buy the oem tires or batteries,....or import Japanese air to fill the tires.....do you????

 

For many Toyota models, the aftermarket Denso replacements are hit and miss. The OEM Toyota denso radiator isn't the same as the Denso radiator from rock auto.

 

I purchased a Denso fuel pump for another vehicle recently expecting more as it was as nearly as costly as Motorcraft. It was junk. Wish I hadn't bought it. BTW through Advance so not expecting their 'second rate' stuff. Or at least not Ebay types.

 

I'm a little over one year in and running red coolant, what should I switch to? and why are alloys so overcomplicated lol.

My all aluminum radiator.

 

Well the one you listed said this......

• Refill radiator with fresh Coolant / Antifreeze according to the volume and formula specified in your Owner's Manual. Inspect levels and condition every year.

so it must be tested safe with the red......


Mine is not that way....