Performance Radiator for Jeep Wrangler (1987-2006)

High-Capacity Aluminum Radiator for 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler

What it Does: Upgrades the factory cooling system with a 3-row AA5052 aluminum core to significantly lower engine operating temperatures during heavy load and low-speed trail driving.

The Stock Wrangler Cooling Shortcoming

The OEM brass/copper or plastic-tanked aluminum radiators found in YJ and TJ Wranglers are notoriously inadequate for modern off-road demands. Over time, plastic end tanks become brittle from constant thermal cycling under the hood, leading to hairline cracks and sudden coolant loss. Furthermore, the factory single or dual-row cores lack the internal surface area required to dissipate heat effectively when engine airflow is restricted during low-speed crawling or heavy towing. This results in severe heat soak, elevated coolant temperatures, and an increased risk of premature engine failure, particularly in the 4.0L AMC inline-six which runs notoriously hot under load.

The Engineering Solution

Upgrading to this 3-row performance radiator resolves these thermal management issues through superior material science and core design. Constructed entirely from TIG-welded AA5052 aircraft-grade aluminum, it eliminates the failure-prone plastic crimped tanks. The 2mm thick aluminum end tanks ensure structural rigidity against trail vibrations and extreme system pressures. Internally, the brazed core features an optimized tube-and-fin design with cooling rows spaced just 3/8" apart. Combined with a dense louvered fin count of 14-16 fins per inch, this configuration yields approximately 1500 more fins than standard aftermarket replacements, resulting in a 30% to 45% increase in cooling efficiency. The expanded fluid capacity drastically reduces temperature spikes in high-stress applications, keeping your powertrain well within its ideal thermal threshold.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 1997-2002 Jeep Wrangler SE 4Cyl 2.5L 150CID
• 2003-2004 Jeep Wrangler SE 4Cyl 2.4L 148CID
• 2005-2006 Jeep Wrangler SE 4Cyl 2.4L 148CID
• 2006 Jeep Wrangler SE 6Cyl 4.0L 242CID
• 1997-2004 Jeep Wrangler Sport 6Cyl 4.0L 242CID
• 2005-2006 Jeep Wrangler Sport 6Cyl 4.0L 242CID
• 1997-2004 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 6Cyl 4.0L 242CID
• 2002-2004 Jeep Wrangler X 6Cyl 4.0L 242CID
• 2003-2004 Jeep Wrangler X 6Cyl 4.0L 241CID
• 2005-2006 Jeep Wrangler X 6Cyl 4.0L 241CID / 242CID
• 2003-2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 6Cyl 4.0L 241CID / 242CID
• 2005-2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 6Cyl 4.0L 241CID / 242CID
• 2004 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 6Cyl 4.0L 242CID
• 2005-2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 6Cyl 4.0L 242CID
• 2005-2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 6Cyl 4.0L 242CID
• 2006 Jeep Wrangler 65th Anniversary Edition 6Cyl 4.0L 242CID

Please Note: This radiator's upper hose is located on the Passenger Side, and the bottom hose is located on the Driver Side. Verify fitment against some YJ models where hose routing may differ.

The Jeep Durability Standard

Built for the severe rigors of the trail, this heavy-duty all-aluminum radiator ensures your Wrangler maintains optimal operating temperatures whether you are navigating technical rock crawls or towing heavy gear. Reliable cooling means sustained low-end torque and unwavering dependability far off the beaten path.