Performance Radiator for Ford Explorer (1998-2001) 4.0L Automatic

Heavy-Duty Aluminum 3-Row Performance Radiator for 1998-2001 Ford Explorer

What it Does: Replaces failure-prone OEM plastic end tanks with an all-aluminum, 3-row crossflow core to maximize thermal rejection and stabilize engine and transmission temperatures under heavy load.

The Stock Explorer Thermal Vulnerability

Factory radiators in the UN105 platform utilize crimped composite plastic end tanks bonded to a single-row core. Over continuous thermal cycles, the factory polymer tanks embrittle, leading to seam separation and stress fractures at the 1.5-inch inlet and outlet necks. Furthermore, the single-row core suffers from heat soak during heavy towing, low-speed off-road crawling, and high ambient temperatures, risking head gasket failure and elevated automatic transmission fluid temperatures.

The Engineering Solution

Constructed entirely from aircraft-grade aluminum, this unit features a 100% TIG-welded, vacuum-brazed 3-row crossflow core (23.5 in x 20.875 in) with zero epoxy or crimped plastic seams. The multi-louvered high-density fin architecture expands coolant contact surface area, significantly lowering operating temperatures. It includes an integrated heavy-duty internal transmission oil cooler (26 x 305 mm, 5/8-18 UNF) engineered to safeguard automatic transmissions under extreme load.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 1998-2001 Ford Explorer 4.0L V6 Automatic Transmission
• Does NOT fit 2002-2005 Ford Explorer (Different core geometry)
• Does NOT fit 2006-2010 Ford Explorer 4.0L / 4.6L models

The Ford Durability Standard

Engineered to handle severe duty cycles, this all-aluminum cooling assembly delivers sustained cooling margins for trail running, heavy payload hauling, and prolonged highway cruising without thermal fade.