Performance Radiator for Nissan Pathfinder (1987-1995) 2.4L 3.0L Automatic

High-Efficiency 3-Row Aluminum Performance Radiator for 1987-1995 Nissan Pathfinder

What it Does: Upgrades the factory cooling circuit to a high-capacity, all-aluminum 3-row downflow core to eliminate overheating and fluid cross-contamination during severe-duty operation.

The Stock Pathfinder Thermal Vulnerability

Factory WD21 radiators rely on brittle plastic end tanks crimped onto a thin aluminum core with rubber O-rings. Over decades of thermal cycling and off-road chassis flex, these mechanical crimps fatigue, leading to seam blowouts, stress cracks around inlet/outlet necks, and restricted coolant passage volume that causes rapid heat soak during low-speed rock crawling or sustained uphill hauling.

The Engineering Solution

This heavy-duty downflow unit is built with 100% TIG-welded 2.0 mm aluminum end tanks and a vacuum-brazed 3-row core, eliminating failure-prone epoxies and plastic seams. Featuring tight 3/8-inch tube pitch and a dense 14–16 fins-per-inch fin pack, it delivers 35–45% higher thermal efficiency over stock. An integrated heavy-duty transmission oil cooler (TOC) ensures automatic transmission line temps stay regulated under load.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 1987-1995 Nissan Pathfinder 2.4L I4 (Z24i / KA24E) Automatic Transmission
• 1987-1995 Nissan Pathfinder 3.0L V6 (VG30i / VG30E) Automatic Transmission
• Note: Direct bolt-on replacement; does not fit 1996-later R50 Pathfinder chassis.

The Nissan Off-Road Durability Standard

Engineered to handle backcountry terrain and heavy recovery duties, this reinforced cooling assembly guarantees continuous heat rejection and structural integrity where OEM plastic radiators fail.