Runner of 4

Don't know if this has been discussed, or even if it has been asked.

NOTE: If this has been asked, please give me a link to the topic, instead of just "Do some searching."

I have a 3VZ, and the radiator I have now may be clogged up, and I don't think I want to fool around with just getting the radiator cleaned out and/or get another basic OE-quality rad.

I found a place that does All Aluminum rads, and from what I see, they are only for 2nd gens. I wanted to get an all aluminum radiator because they do stay cooler, and may keep the head gaskets from popping. I was also thinking about getting some e-fans as well, 1 or 2, just to make sure cooling is not a problem.

Please lemme know guys, thanks.

-Runner of 4

j2the-e

Your stock cooling system is more than sufficient for your truck. Assuming its in good working order

porcelain

To be sure contact the place with the ones you want and find out the measurements they should be about the same as these (those are specifically for the auto trans but 5sp should be the same size):
1st gen 4wd:
Core Size: 17-3/4 X 20-11/16 X 2-1/16
Inlet Header: 20-1/8 X 2-3/16
Outlet Header: 20-1/8 X 2-3/16
Inlet Connection: TOP 1-3/8 PASSENGERS SIDE
Outlet Connection: BOTTOM 1-3/8 DRIVERS SIDE
Transmission Oil Cooler: YES
Engine Oil Cooler: NONE.

specs for 2nd gen 4wd
Core Size: 18-11/16 X 20-11/16 X 2-1/16
Inlet Header: 20-1/8 X 2-3/16
Outlet Header: 20-1/8 X 2-3/16
Inlet Connection: 1-3/8 PASSENGERS SIDE
Outlet Connection: 1-3/8 DRIVERS SIDE
Transmission Oil Cooler: YES
Engine Oil Cooler: NONE

2nd gen 2wd:
Core Size: 17-3/4 X 20-11/16 X 2-1/16
Inlet Header: 20-1/8 X 2-3/16
Outlet Header: 20-1/8 X 2-3/16
Inlet Connection: TOP 1-3/8 PASSENGERS SIDE
Outlet Connection: BOTTOM 1-3/8 DRIVERS SIDE
Transmission Oil Cooler: YES


So it looks like your best bet is the 2wd 2nd gen if thats what you have your heart set on. You should double check the distance from mounting holes with the one you want to buy just to be sure but should be the same. Not sure about the clearance either but the 2nd gen 4wd rad is barley bigger and might work also... as far as the fans i'm in south FL and dont have any over heating problems... putting the electric fans in might create more of a problem. so unless your constantly towing alot through rush hour at 100 degrees you should be fine. Just keep an eye on the temp gauge. GL

Runner of 4

The head gaskets are being replaced right now, so something's not right, I'm assuming.

I'd rather have too much cooling than not enough. The head gasket on the left side was leaking quite badly.

Money's tight, and I'd rather spend 200+ on cooling instead of having head gasket after head gasket replaced, or having to rebuild the motor.



Also, thanks porcelain! Good info to have!

porcelain

Well if theres something causing the overheating besides the head gasket being busted then it just a matter of time even with $1000 radiator and fans before you blow another of seize it up all together. Once the HG is done drive it around the block a few times and if its still over heating then check the other ovious things... thermostat and water pump... but like you said you thought the rad was clogged that will cause your engine to over head which kills the HG... so domino effect. Just determine if its overheating in your neighborhood not on a commute to work so you can diagnose before its boiling over....

porcelain

Def at least change out the thermostat(with a good one) maybe $20 bucks...

donomite49

i got a 3 core CSF all metal radiator.

Runner of 4

Alright porcelain, thanks!

donomite49, as in you're trying to sell it, or you use one? If you're using one, how is it as far as cooling and installation?

donomite49

i installed the rad with my 3.4 swap, and it was a direct fit, i lowered it about a quarter
to three eights of an inch because the cap was off center.

as far as cooling, it does great, i have around 4k miles on the swap without any problems.

i ordered the rad for my truck with a v6 auto.

Green 88

I put in a '95 V6 4Runner radiator in my '88 22RE 4Runner last week. The '95 radiator bolted in but wouldn't allow my hood to shut. I drilled 4 new holes in the '95 radiator side brackets 1/2" above where the original mounting holes are at which lowered the radiator mounting in the truck by a 1/2". The '95 radiator hangs below the lower radiator guard/support about 1/8". All stock 22RE hoses were used, I just had to shove all of the hose onto each appriapriate neck and it works great ('95 radiator has fairly long necks at different angles than stock 22RE radiator). The '95 radiator mounts parrallel to the radiator support whereas the 22RE radiator has an angle to it in relation to the radiator support. The stock 22RE fan sits better in the shroud with the '95 radiator than it did with the '88 radiator. All stock 22RE hardware was used except I did need one 8mm nut for one of the fan shroud bolts. I have not driven this truck for any length of time with the '95 radiator yet due to other issue's. Hope this helps.