Hey, so I have a '86 4x4 pickup Manual 4cyl carb, all stock(for now). The radiator started leaking on me 3 weeks ago. I flushed it twice, and added some of that "Stop Leak" with the pellets from WalMart. It still leaks, so now I am looking at some options, and need some advice from those with more experience then I.

Looks like a new replacement, or repair/rebuild is going be about 100-150. So I am now looking at other options. Should I stick with the Brass/Copper? or make the switch to Alum?

Brass/Copper seems like it would be more durable for off-road use, but heavier for daily driving. It would also be older, and more prone to corrosion? So maybe have a higher chance of failure?

Alum seems like it would do a better job of cooling. It also seems like it would be more fragile for 4x4 stuff. But lighter, and not prone to corrosion like the other.

After I figure out what kind of material I think would be best, I have also read online that a radiator upgrade may be in order. More specifically, getting a radiator with a greater cooling capacity. Maybe a radiator from an '86-'87 22RTE turbo pickup? Or a radiator from a '88-'89 6cyl?

From what I have read, these seem to be good and easy (bolt on, no fab.) upgrades. Anyone ever done one of these upgrades?

Thoughts, Ideas, and opinions needed.

Thanks,

-David

 

i upgraded to a csf 3 core all metal radiator when i did my swap.
i got mine from davez offroad. look up radiator barn also.

 

I've bought two from NAPA (for an 86 22re and an 89 22re) and both were inexpensive and held up perfect when I was off road. They do have plastic upper and lower tanks but I've never had one break or start to leak.

Just thought I'd add plastic tanks to your list of things to think about.

 

I like the Brass /Copper ones i got a few now from Radiator barn.

I think aluminum corrodes worse all most impossible to repair in the woods.

About impossible to get clean enough to weld once they are a few years old.

 

When I did my swap, I came across two V6 Runner radiators in the local Pullapart. Both turned out to be crap and irreparable. Brass/copper. Radiator shop got me a V6 Runner aluminum for $160ish. Great looking radiator and cools flawlessly. If you keep your fluid changed regularly, there shouldn't be much, if any, corrosion or deterioration.

 

I am talking about the outside not the inside.

I would never get a radiator out of a yard but to each there own.

I know what works for me.:wabbit2:

 

True. But for $10 each, it was worth a shot... Lol.

And I only have about 20-25K on my swap, so time will tell about external corrosion. I've seen lots of later model vehicles with loads of miles and aluminum radiators and no corrosion though. As I said, time will tell.