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Replacing a radiator

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by modom1307, Sep 28, 2015.

  1. Sep 28, 2015 at 11:51 AM
    #1
    modom1307

    #1
    modom1307 [OP] Member

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    I need to replace my radiator on my 1999 3.4lt 4wd Tacoma. When I looked online there were many different kinds and brands. Does it really matter which one I get? What are the benefits to a more expensive radiator? Which brands are best? Any help I can could would be much appreciated! Thanks guys!
     
    modom1307, Sep 28, 2015
    #1
    Old_Truck likes this.
  2. Sep 28, 2015 at 12:12 PM
    #2
    keakar

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    keakar Well-Known Member

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    karl
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    used to have - 99 2.4L I4 5 lug & 04 prerunner v6
    for a radiator I would go oem, the cheap aftermarkets have a high failure rate so your not saving much if you burn up your engine or crack a head from overheating. same goes for thermostats, use oem for both.

    just my opinion
     
    keakar, Sep 28, 2015
    #2
  3. Sep 28, 2015 at 4:20 PM
    #3
    NightProwler

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    NightProwler Well-Known Member

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    There are now some all aluminum radiators on Amazon I keep eyeing. Around $140! Not sure on the quality. I did find one (good) review on one. Will be my next choice. Might even scoop one up and keep my newer current one as a backup. Don't really trust oem myself. Granted they probly do last longer than some. In some cases oem last about ~100-150k miles. Yes some have lasted longer. But thats about the mark most have experienced the cracking in the tank on the oem plastics iirc.

    I ordered one on ebay and it was the wrong size even though it said it fit. Ended up getting one from O'Reillys. Murray I think it was. Because I already had the truck torn down and needed one asap and they were the only ones whom could get it same day. Perfect fit and no issues. But I paid like $250 iirc. Good thing is if it fails, I should be able to get a replacement easily form them... If you do order one, just make sure you check and recheck your measurements to make sure its gonna fit. Maybe even contact the seller beforehand and ask they verify it before shipping.
     
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    NightProwler, Sep 28, 2015
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  4. Sep 28, 2015 at 4:51 PM
    #4
    Wyoming09

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    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    I have the all Copper and Brass (CSF) I don`t care for the Aluminum ones to hard to repair if I poke a hole in it.
     
    Wyoming09, Sep 28, 2015
    #4
  5. Sep 28, 2015 at 7:21 PM
    #5
    CodeSeven

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    CodeSeven LOC: 33.781461, -115.867251

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    you have to replace with the same one coming out. you need the core height and width to be sure. my 2000 3.4 radiator was the tallest of the options. there really aren't differences between manufacturers. if you go to the right places, they're all the higher end manufacturers. don't go to autozone or star or any cheap place. napa, oreilly, carquest/advanced auto parts. etc.
     
    CodeSeven, Sep 28, 2015
    #5
  6. Sep 29, 2015 at 2:58 AM
    #6
    mwrohde

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    mwrohde Well-Known Member

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    I ordered a Denso from Rock Auto for my 4Runner. Fit perfect. Easy job.
     
    mwrohde, Sep 29, 2015
    #6
  7. Sep 29, 2015 at 12:44 PM
    #7
    jaunty

    #7
    jaunty Well-Known Member

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    be sure you ordered the correct one if you have an automatic or manual. they are different.

    I just bought this one for my Automatic.
    $168 Denso 221-3138 Radiator
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096BA8Z6?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

    if you have a manual they're a bit cheaper.
    $131 TYC 1985 Radiator Compatible with 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IYR3JO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01


    the funny thing is all my local autopart stores and much more expensive for the same parts! I hate waiting but if it saves 60 bucks i can wait 2 day.. Amazon prime baby!
     
    jaunty, Sep 29, 2015
    #7

Products Discussed in

Denso 221-3138 Radiator
$167.64
TYC 1985 Radiator Compatible with 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
$130.19
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