81dyota

Anyone have alternate radiator suggestions for a 1981 2WD Diesel? Looks like no one sells these anymore...

irab88

iTrader: (4)

You may have to go custom, ie- find a radiator shop and give them measurements (thickness, mounting tabs, flow type, inlet/outlet). From what I've seen, many Toyota radiators from similar truck bodies will fit, regardless of the engine. I'm using my 22R-E radiator with my 5VZ-FE engine. I could also use the radiator from a 3VZ-E (if I had one) or from the 5VZ (if I felt like making simple brackets).

Most of the people on here are US-based, so not much in the way of diesel info. But there are a few. Good luck!

L5wolvesf

Do you have a rad currently, or none at all?

irab88

iTrader: (4)

Ah, this! If you have a broken one (assuming a copper/brass construction), it may be just as easy to fix.

81dyota

Current radiator is very bent

Yeah, the diesel has both radiator inlets on the drivers side....whereas the 4WD 22R style has the top inlet on the passenger side, which isn't a big problem with some flex-hose. Rather, the 22R replacement radiator's seem to be thinner 1.25" core's, while the stock diesel one looks to be ~2" core. Then I'm not sure about height-problems when going to other years, seems like the 84+ years got a taller core by a couple inches........the frame to radiator fit is pretty snug on this 2wd, since I'm not lifted or anything.

Assuming the mount and shroud are the same.... wonder if anyone knows of a drop in 4WD high-capacity 22R style replacement, then could probably just deal with the top inlet being on the other side? Thanks for the help.

L5wolvesf

How bent? Pictures are your/our friend. If the rad is bent then the mounting points are _______ ?

If the tanks are repairable, most anything is, a good rad shop can build you a 3, maybe 4 row from that.

ffiallos68

have you any info on securing parts for an L engine rebuild?

81dyota

Yeah, after giving up on fitting some other toyota-model radiator.....and mulling over a custom radiator. Looked into importing one from Australia (which still has new ones in distribution)....but ultimately went with a Chinese special (ebay) for about 1/3rd cost of custom. The radiator was actually quite nicely made. 1 5/8" thick, instead of 2", but it's aluminum instead of copper and is proving itself well over the last couple weeks and some camping adventures on FS roads.

Anyway, thanks for your guys input. Keeping her rolling & reliable!


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