Cracked radiator can I swap it???

Chipppy · **Joined:** Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:23 pm **Posts:** 223

So my radiator has a crack in the plastic corner. I found a replacement for 175. This is setting my lift plans back quite a bit and i am wondering if i could swap the radiator by myself to save some money. I know it isn't a huge job but i'm not a jeep mechanic, but i am very mechanically inclined though and i am not scared of the task. My dad on the other hand want to have a shop do it and pay for it. I want to do it myself hopefully so i can have more money for my lift. My buddy just swapped his in his TJ and said it was no problem and that he would help me. Is the kj that much harder than doing a tj radiator?

VAhlene · **Posted:** Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:33 pm

Check this link out might help some, has some good pics. I changed my radiator in a 98 grand Cherokee once and it wasn't bad at all.
http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/f202/how-replace-radiator-40628/

4x4kingx889 · **Joined:** Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:42 pm **Posts:** 235

Hardest part of any radiator swap IMO is rusted transmission cooler lines

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TwoBobsKJ · **Joined:** Fri May 11, 2012 8:03 pm **Posts:** 463

The toughest part of a radiator swap is the mess caused by coolant spilling - no matter what you do to keep it off the garage floor.

Take your time and make sure you have the proper HOAT coolant (Zerex G-05 from NAPA is the best place to find the coolant) and distilled water to mix with it. Probably need to get an upper and lower radiator hose and a new thermostat since you have to remove the hoses anyway and the thermostat is behind the hose attachment on the block.

NOTE: The thermostat cone points INTO the block not out toward the radiator.

Bob

JdubKJ03 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2013 9:07 pm

It's not a hard job, two radiators in my KJ so far. My 2 cents is go with OEM. First one I swapped in was a NAPA: So I thought to myself probably a little more quality part. Not so much. It lasted three months before it cracked again, same spot as the original (Drivers side top corner) but the original took 9 years to crack there. Not saying all the NAPA radiators are junk, just sharing my experience. Change it yourself and save some cash. Tip helps to move the battery and tray out of the way.
Cheers and good luck with it. :5SHOTS:

03CDKJ · **Posted:** Fri Apr 26, 2013 10:08 pm

Napa Radiators are crap, as stated above.... But they come with a lifetime warranty...
I'm on my 7th radiator..... :lol:

Everyone of them, including OEM.... cracks, or has a defect on the upper part of the plastic on the drivers side.

I just changed mine 2 days ago in a parking lot....
I can take one out in 25 min.... and put a new one back in with fluids in just over 30. (but I could also change one out blindfolded)

:2cents:

if you are going to pay the 500 or whatever for a mopar one.... Go to a custom radiator shop and have them make you one "all aluminum"

otherwise go napa.... their exchange policy works at every store in the nation..... Plus, working on the jeep is half the fun of owning one.... :JEEPIN:

If on the trail and it cracked.... I'd wait for it to cool down, heat up a flathead screwdriver, and melt the plastic back together..... (you should always take a gallon or two of water with you while out exploring anyway, might as well make it distilled just in your radiator does crack....) end :2cents:

Chipppy · **Joined:** Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:23 pm **Posts:** 223

Thanks for all the info Guysss! Helps alot! Most likely will go with napa then and swap it myself :juggle:

going to feel like an idiot the first one I swap. Sounds like it wont be my last either :furious:

If i can figure it all out a custom radiator would be sweet maybe even give me the room for the 4.7 when my engine craps!

Cracked radiator can I swap it???

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