Radiator for 4WD

I recently spoke with a local shop about doing this. I've had them do work before and been happy. He explained how they would do the four row by splitting the corners of the tanks to widen it. When I told him I had a spare radiator that had pin holes all over the tanks he said, "No problem, I can get new tanks made." I didn't inquire as to cost and haven't been back with my other radiator yet to ask any more questions but I would assume this opens the possibility for a completely new radiator with tanks designed to accommodate a four row core. When I take my radiator in I'll ask more questions and post the answers.

I'll talk with a radiator shop this week about what can be done. It looks that my Flex-a-lite dual fan setup that is held on by plastic strips through the fins is to blame. What happened is that the driver's side fan is barely resting on the differential, putting upward pressure on the rows over there. I'll try remounting after the radiator is fixed.
Tim, that custom aluminum shroud of yours would be nice, but I'm just glad the move to Nevada went without any issues.

Where in Nevada are you?
If your in Reno, I can help.

I fitted a Corolla Radiator into my van. There are pics on here somewhere.

Got electric fans yet?

I actually am in the Reno area! Your Corolla radiator install has some nice fab work there. I am keeping my front diff in, so that wouldn't fit. I would be interested in your old radiator if you still had it. Private messages work on here, don't they?

Yes, I've been using electric fans for years, and find them to be far better for cooling at low speeds. As I mentioned in my last post, I think the way I mounted them led to my current trouble. My van's been pretty reliable for several years now, thus my absence on the forums.

I already sold my old radiator.
But I still have my e Fan schroud if you need.

The plan for my van is to lift the front 2" and fit a 4Runner diff. Someday when I have time.
The stock front diff came out when i regeared to 4.88's. Best mod Ever.
Limited slip in the rear gets me down 90% of the trails. Unless I am doing something stupid.:?:

I had 5 or 6 of those radiators sitting in a parts van (all good usable cores). When we moved about 3 years ago it took us about 10 days to get everything off the property. During that time metal thieves came out and stole all my radiators, cats, and differentials out of that van (among several other things) :pissed:. Such a shame as they were 4wd auto diff's (great for swapping into manual vans with big tires) and 4wd radiators. Of course I'm sure they're all melted down by now. All the thievery is the biggest reason we moved from there. At least what I have left is finally safe. Tim

Hey Coronan,
Didn't you sell that shroud last summer- Or was that someone else? I'm interested in it if Wonderwagon is not.
Aaron.

I'm not interested in changing my shroud setup, I'll just mount it 1/4" higher and it should be fine.

Visited the local radiator shop today, but their specialist wasn't there. I'm hesitant to send it back to Ability Radiator in California and would rather deal with the local guys if I can. We'll see once I get the radiator out what the story is.

The local radiator shop fixed it by soldering up the rows that had broken off the tank. Only $50 and I'm very pleased with their service!

Here's a quote from another thread:

Quote:

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4WD Radiators. NLA from Toyota, NLA from everywhere else now, too, including 1-800-Radiator.

Solution — grab ANY 4WD radiator you find in a junkyard and stash it, even if you don't need it! (If you have an A/T van and can only find a M/T van radiator, there are people here and elsewhere who will swap with you. No sense in letting any more get crushed.) As long as the tanks are good, it can be recored.

Even better solution — send away your radiator, or a harvested one, for a high-efficiency four-row recore. This outfit has done several and is keeping the build specs (their ref #7403) on file:

Ability Radiator
260 A Garden Hwy
Yuba City, CA 95991-5500
(530) 673-0813; ask for Greg

I paid $342 plus shipping for one in mid-2010.

Gwen

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just called these folks.... the fellow laughed, saying he hasn't done one for a year or two,, but I'm the 3rd inquiry this week!
Apparently copper pricing is 'out the roof'...current price, including return shipping is $439.....you provide the old radiator.
Anyone know of cheaper options for a 4 core high efficiency?

I'm in the same boat as everyone here. I need radiator fixes! I'm still trying to decide on shipping it out or driving to the nearest location. Also trying to decide if I want a recore or just swab out the one I have that doesn't leak.

Wish sh there were some choices to buy new!

I am have an 87' 4WD that runs hot and is burning oil. I go through about 1 1/2 quarts a month. I am also looking for a new radiator or a place in Los Angeles (or somewhere in SoCal) to get my current one recored.

Thanks!

-Derek

At $439 for a recore would anyone be interested in an aluminum replacement?

I have a local guy that makes aluminum radiators for race cars, street rods, and odd applications that I could ask for pricing. I'm guessing if we did 4 or 5 at a time it might help with the cost?

$400 is allot for a radiator unless you like your van.

It has been the going rate for a while. And most Happily pay it.

I'd be interested in an aluminum unit.
I'm running a celica radiator my cooling is improved but not perfect.

I would be down for one if the price is <$500.

.

...I might be down for one as well,, want to check local first,,


...what's the actual core size of the 4x4 radiator?

I'm also interested.

Gwen

I'd like to buy a spare or two.

Tim

Ok, I'll swing by his place this week and see what he has to say as far as if it's something he'll do and what the price will be.

I'm in <$500 as well.

We're talking specifically about 4WD 5 speed specs, correct?