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Denso Radiator FYI

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Woodcutter, Nov 27, 2024.

  1. Nov 30, 2024 at 2:12 PM
    #21
    02hilux

    02hilux What do you mean there’s no road, I’m here

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    Every truck is different based on condition. I have no issue with my koyo and external atf cooler nor I had any issue when I was running the Denso and bypassed the built in cooler.
    On the positive side, with the koyo, you’ll gain slightly coolant capacity which in turn, will help provide cooler coolant to the motor.
     
  2. Dec 6, 2024 at 1:01 PM
    #22
    Woodcutter

    Woodcutter [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Follow Up on Summit Radiator - as I read it, their warranty on the radiator requires professional installation. So I bailed and went with all aluminum LeLand Global from RockAuto #1755AA.

    The price was good and it looks amazing similar to others as well as the description. Took the chance thinking all these are made in the same place with just different names??? Taking a risk here, no recommendations on this for fellow TACO’s.

    Will follow up with a review after the install with details. Woodcutter
     
    Toyota Dude likes this.
  3. Dec 6, 2024 at 8:14 PM
    #23
    Toyota Dude

    Toyota Dude Well-Known Member

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  4. Dec 6, 2024 at 8:51 PM
    #24
    02hilux

    02hilux What do you mean there’s no road, I’m here

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  5. Dec 7, 2024 at 3:29 AM
    #25
    monkeyodeath

    monkeyodeath Well-Known Member

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    Had the same issue earlier this year, couldn't find the MT version. I went with the AT version from Denso (what the truck had before, actually), no issues so far in 20k miles of driving. Just keep the transmission fluid ports capped off and it runs the same. I think the AT version hangs down slightly lower than the MT one but should clear basically any skid plate that works with the AT version of the truck, which I think is pretty much all of them.

    I think the MT version is mostly discontinued from the usual manufacturers for that reason -- AT version works fine and fits fine.

    Considered getting an all-aluminum one, but the prices are high and I got annoyed researching all the quibbles and pros and cons of the various brands so I figured I'd just go with what lasted 200k+ miles before. I think the only reason to go all-aluminum is (hopefully) increased lifespan and durability, in my experience the stock cooling system in good condition is plenty adequate for these engines.

    Might change my tune if this one leaks in a year like OPs but from a cooling standpoint it worked just fine in plenty of slow and hot Southwest wheeling, rock-solid stable temp on my Scangauge.
     
    roboturner[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Dec 7, 2024 at 7:31 AM
    #26
    Nessal

    Nessal Well-Known Member

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    I don't think the OE rad is made by Denso. I replaced mine and it says Harrison on it. Thinking back, I should have left it alone since it's been working fine for 20 years but swapped in a new denso unit for peace of mind because I was driving across the country on a regular basis.
     
    cruiserguy likes this.
  7. Dec 7, 2024 at 8:26 AM
    #27
    cruiserguy

    cruiserguy Well-Known Member

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    You are correct. First gen tacos were built here in US and Harrison(American manufacturer) supplied the OE radiators to Toyota for the first gen taco. Very well built radiators.
     
    Toyota Dude likes this.
  8. Dec 7, 2024 at 10:44 AM
    #28
    O'Silver_Taco

    O'Silver_Taco Well-Known Member

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    The new Denso's are made in mexico, and there are QC issues with them.

    IF you're stuck on denso order it local......so its easier to return

    and 2 to 4yr life is common with these..........98% of the time they fail at the crimp
    these are not the same as the originals



    Running a real old radiator is not a good deal.......the coolant becomes acidic and attacks it over time, building a thicker and thicker layer of corrosion


    Denso because of its thin single core design is barely adequate when its new....
    this and egr failure is setting up for the head gasket problems later on.

    I like the lead on the LeLand Global from RockAuto, hopefully those work out.

    I would still be weary of the coolant you run thru it..
    I would stick with the old fashion green stuff...
    the stuff thats totally non reactive with everything....
     
    Last edited: Dec 7, 2024
  9. Dec 7, 2024 at 3:38 PM
    #29
    Toyota Dude

    Toyota Dude Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: Dec 7, 2024
  10. Dec 7, 2024 at 6:05 PM
    #30
    rglsr

    rglsr Well-Known Member

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    Toyota Dude likes this.
  11. Dec 7, 2024 at 6:28 PM
    #31
    Toyota Dude

    Toyota Dude Well-Known Member

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    Right. Very different. Saw the recent posts about the Denso and RA and thought the reference was to the Koyorad listed there. Went back tot he top of the thread and see the desire for MT no oil cooler all aluminum.
     
  12. Dec 7, 2024 at 6:36 PM
    #32
    02hilux

    02hilux What do you mean there’s no road, I’m here

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    Been a years since I measured but it’s definitely thicker than the Denso 1.25”

    maybe 1.50~1.75
     
  13. Mar 30, 2025 at 6:48 PM
    #33
    Dalandser

    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Hows the radiator holding up? Huge range of prices online from $380 on questionable and most likely drop shipper websites to $587 on reputable sites like LCE - don't think I'd pay $700 for one (including tax, shipping, and the $50 cap).

    I put the 2rz Denso in my wife's 5vz 4runner. It's been doing well - been 4 years.
     
  14. Mar 30, 2025 at 6:59 PM
    #34
    02hilux

    02hilux What do you mean there’s no road, I’m here

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    KoyoRad been good. Drove it for about 10 miles on surface streets with stop and go traffic last week when it was 89 degrees outside and SG3 shows coolant temperature being 169* the entire trip. With summer temperature last year, I average 175. My truck is far heavier than your average Tacoma and on 42 inch tires.
     
  15. Mar 30, 2025 at 7:04 PM
    #35
    02hilux

    02hilux What do you mean there’s no road, I’m here

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