Best Radiators For Jeep TJ – The Best Options Reviewed

Produced from 1997 to 2006, the Jeep TJ was, and still is, a blend of old and new Wrangler styling. It introduced the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, as well as returned to the classic circular headlights.

Though there have been calls to have it recalled, it remains a collector’s piece and an off-road machine for many Wrangler owners today. Yet even the most meticulously maintained Jeep TJ can still succumb to wear and tear over time, including your radiator.

Without a properly functioning radiator, your Wrangler can overheat and you risk serious engine damage. So if your radiator is on its last leg, use this information to find the best replacement for your budget and performance needs.

Comparison of the Best Radiators for Jeep TJ

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Factors to Consider Before Buying a Radiator 

While you don’t need to have an encyclopedic knowledge of a radiator prior to buying one, having a basic understanding of how they work, as well as considering additional factors will make the purchase quicker and easier. Here are some aspects to think about before you pull the trigger on a radiator for your Jeep TJ.

Downflow vs Crossflow Radiators

The Jeep Wrangler TJ comes with a stock downflow radiator. Downflow radiators have tanks on the top and the bottom, while crossflow radiators have a tank on each side. Both have similar cooling power for the purposes of a Wrangler, although crossflow radiators are better for cooling in high-performance vehicles. The other difference is that a downflow radiator is taller than it is wide, and a crossflow radiator is wider than it is tall.

So what does this mean for you? If you want a radiator that’s more similar to the stock radiator, you’ll want to purchase a downflow radiator. In fact, nearly all the replacement radiators for a Jeep TJ will be a downflow. However, if you really want a bit of added cooling power found in a crossflow radiator, you can certainly install one. Some of these have a greater width than height for this very reason, although they’re more expensive.

Just make a mental note that you may have to make some modifications as necessary, as fitment issues will almost undoubtedly become a problem.

Radiator Construction Materials

Radiators are manufactured in a variety of different materials. Each has its pros and cons based on performance, price, and personal preference. To help you determine your budget and what you need for your Jeep TJ, here are the most common types of radiator construction materials.

• In the recent past, aluminum radiators have become the most popular radiator replacement choice for Jeep TJs and other types of vehicles. While they are lightweight and indeed easier to install, they are also at a premium, usually being the most expensive option available.
  

• If you want an affordable choice, either because you’re on a budget or you’re just fixing up a Jeep Wrangler TJ to sell it, go with a plastic radiator. These radiators have an aluminum core surrounded by plastic tanks on each end. The fact that they are cheap and lightweight, these radiators won’t last as long, but for the price, they’re a feasible choice. Keep in mind that if they crack, fixing them is a fruitless venture. In most instances, you’ll have to replace it.
  
  
• Brass and copper alloy radiators were some of the first mass-produced radiators to make their way to the assembly line. These were the primary radiator type in most vehicles until the early-to-mid 1980s. However, these are far heavier than aluminum or plastic options, can suffer from corrosion, and yet are still more expensive than plastic (and some aluminum) radiators. Despite these shortfalls, they’re still great at cooling down a vehicle.

Aftermarket or MOPAR/OEM

Performance aftermarket parts for the Jeep TJ and other Wranglers have become big business. Nearly everyone wants to soup up their ride while making it showier, even under the hood. To meet the needs of consumers, companies manufacture many different types and styles of aftermarket radiators. However, these can vary in quality, and to Jeep purists, staying clear of them all together is the best move. But to the contrary, the standards of many aftermarket radiators have grown immensely in the past decade, meeting or exceeding OEM standards.

Nevertheless, if you didn’t have problems with your stock radiator and it simply wore out, a genuine MOPAR or OEM radiator might be your best option. You won’t have any fitment issues, and it should provide adequate cooling for about 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

Manual vs Automatic

If you have a manual shift Jeep TJ, good news: you can choose any radiator that will fit your ride. But if you have an automatic transmission, you’ll need to make sure to purchase a radiator that has attachments for transmission cooler lines. Otherwise you will get into jeep jk automatic transmission problems

In addition to cooling your engine, these types of radiators will also cool your transmission fluid. If you buy a radiator for an automatic transmission but have a manual, simply cap off the two transmission fluid ports, and you’re good to go.

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Review of the Best Radiators for Jeep TJ

Whatever type of Jeep TJ you have, don’t skimp on a radiator. Without its cooling power, your car is a ticking time bomb just waiting to overheat. Check out some of the best radiators for the Jeep TJ, and you’ll know you made a quality purchase.

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How to Change or Replace Radiator on Jeep TJ 

Changing a radiator may sound complicated, but it’s actually one of the easiest replacements you can do on a vehicle. With no special tools necessary, some basic know-how, and these instructions, you can swap out your radiator in an afternoon. Here’s how to do it.

1. Remove the radiator cap, but make sure the engine is cool so you don’t burn yourself.
   
2. Drain the coolant into a bucket using the bleeder underneath the Jeep, but don’t get any of the fluid on you, as it’s toxic.
   
3. Put the coolant aside, and dispose of it later at a hazardous waste facility or recycling center.
   
4. Push in the nipple on the side of the coolant reservoir and remove it.
   
5. Remove the four bolts from the fan shroud using a 10mm wrench.
   
6. Remove the tube attached to the fan shroud.
   
7. Take off the six 10-mm radiator mounts.
   
8. Remove the tubes from the bottom tank of the radiator.
   
9. Lift the radiator out.
   
10. Install the new barbs on the new radiator that allows you to attach the transmission lines (may be included with the radiator).
    
11. Do the previous steps (6 through 8) in reverse order by attaching all necessary tubes and remounting the radiator.
    
12. Reattach the fan shroud. Note that you may need to go get four bolts, nuts, and washers that are longer.
    
13. Refill the radiator with about 10 quarts of coolant.
    
14. Burp the system by squeezing the coolant hoses, especially on the underside of the vehicle.
    
15. Start the engine and let the vehicle idle to circulate the new coolant. This will also bring the fluid level down so you can top it off. At this point, you might also want to top off your transmission fluid.
    
16. Refill the coolant reservoir.
    
17. Put the radiator cap back on, and you’re done.

If you’re more of a visual learner or you just need some supplementary instruction, make sure to check out the video below:

Maintain Your Jeep TJ With a Cool and Efficient Radiator

While there’s no right or wrong choice for a radiator for your Jeep TJ, buying a quality piece will eliminate headaches further down the road. And with your new shiny radiator in place, you can show it off to your friends, go for an off-road trip, or sit back and admire your handiwork. One issue to keep in mind when maintaining your Jeep TJ is rust. A Jeep TJ frame recall has been requested over the years by a few groups of Jeep owners but ut never happend.

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People Also Ask

Even after all of the information above, you may still be racking your brain to get all your questions answered. To streamline the process, here are a few of the top questions that people also ask about radiators for the Jeep TJ