I need a radiator for my 2001 Ranger. Opinions on brand, etc?

[Bird76Mojo]

I'm needing a radiator for my 2001 Ranger 4.0 4x4 automatic trans..

I'm looking on Rockauto.com at all of the different brands. They all seem to be what they call single core, which should be single row. Other than that I'm not seeing any difference in construction. One brand (OSC) claims "Upgraded Design; Enhanced: Additional ribbing added to the inside of the tank near the outlet connection for additional strength."

Anyone here have any opinions or experiences with different brands?

I'd buy a Motorcraft if they listed one for an automatic..

 

[rubydist]

I have had good luck with UltraPower and GPD in the past but in different applications.

 

[Ranger850]

KOYORAD.COM - The Leader in Aftermarket OE Replacement Radiators

Home page of KOYORAD - Manufacturer of Aftermarket OE Radiators and Automotive Cooling Systems.

www.koyorad.com

I have used this brand on a few occasions. Exact replica of OEM product for my Corolla, The on I got for the Acura was better quality than the one I replaced (not sure if it was OEM or replacement rad).

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Rock Auto has a good selection. I accidently got the wrong one and the return/exchange process was quick and hassle free.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I think I may just pick one of the cheap options and see if it lasts. The truck has over 200,000 on it after all. If the cheap one fails then I'll just buy another cheap one. lol

 

[fred m]

I replaced mine several years ago with a Canadian-made Spectra Premium which cost ~$75... seems well-made and has held up well; has a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer but probably more trouble than it's worth to cash in on it.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I replaced mine several years ago with a Canadian-made Spectra Premium which cost ~$75... seems well-made and has held up well; has a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer but probably more trouble than it's worth to cash in on it.

I think I have a Spectra in mine.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I'm tempted to try one of these for not much more money: https://www.ebay.com/itm/193256463585?hash=item2cfefb9ce1:g:VvMAAOSwB05d80X3

They state that they're 3 row when everything Rockauto lists is single row.. They're ALL made in China anyway. No matter what type I get.

I'm sick and tired of radiators with plastic end tanks springing a leak on me after a few years. It's happened on eveyr Ranger I've ever owned. Except my V8 truck.. It's got a full aluminum unit in it..

Advertised as a 2 row for a reasonable price: https://www.ebay.com/itm/184453859662?hash=item2af24e894e:g:9HYAAOSwZrxfZXMT

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I'm tempted to try one of these for not much more money: https://www.ebay.com/itm/193256463585?hash=item2cfefb9ce1:g:VvMAAOSwB05d80X3

They state that they're 3 row when everything Rockauto lists is single row.. They're ALL made in China anyway. No matter what type I get.

I'm sick and tired of radiators with plastic end tanks springing a leak on me after a few years. It's happened on eveyr Ranger I've ever owned. Except my V8 truck.. It's got a full aluminum unit in it..

Advertised as a 2 row for a reasonable price: https://www.ebay.com/itm/184453859662?hash=item2af24e894e:g:9HYAAOSwZrxfZXMT

I think it's for fan clearance issues. The automatics have a thicker radiator. I tried it as an upgrade, but it didn't fit very well, nor provided more cooling. The plastic ends do suck.

 

[racsan]

Every radiator Ive ordered has came with the auto trans cooler regardless, Ive considered using it for the power steering but never have . I cant recall where Ive ordered from, it wasnt rock auto (except for the last one that went in the hhr) The funny thing is when I needed one for the astro van I could of paid a extra $50 for next day delivery, I didnt and it happened to show up the next day anyways.

 

[DILLARD000]

@Bird76Mojo
Your 2001 V6~4.0L~SOHC radiator problem seems near identical to mine just a year ago now.
Replaced the original 2RowPlasticTankedRadiator with a new 4RowAllAluminumRadiator.
No regrets,; should have done this years earlier.

Noticed on another forum, you had a question about the TransCooler fittings;
I ground the original compression fittings down by about a 1/2" & then they fit the new radiator,
& can still be used on the old style radiator if reverting back to that for any reason.
See the link below for detail pics on doing this.

Not shown in the pics, but also modified original 1piece fan shroud into a 2piece Upper+Lower;
got tired of wrestling original shroud around fan; easy access to belt\fan\clutch\pump now.

More info at link below
https://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Engine_Coolant_Radiator+Cap

 

[97RangerXLT]

I replaced mine via RockAuto a few years ago... paid about 170 if I recall correctly and it was the two row for my 4.0. so far no complaints, will look and see what the part number is and brand.

AJ

 

[Blmpkn]

I like mishimoto rads. Good quality, and the last one I bought.. the lifetime warranty was so good they'd even replace the thing if you rear ended someone and smashed it to bits.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I've seen mention of using the 2 row V8 Exploder radiator, but there are fan clearance issues and the shroud may need trimmed. Otherwise, all that's available from what I can find, are single row radiators. Not counting the custom aluminum stuff of course.

I'm going to do some measuring to see if I could fit the Exploder rad..

Lots of good input here guys!

 

[DILLARD000]

Can you attach a pic of the top of your existing\old radiator?
Suspect you need at least a 2Row with 2"Thick Top+Bottom Channels.
Concluded when choosing mine, the more cooling capacity the better;
so went with a 4Row with 2"Thick Top+Bottom Channels, so that old Shroud would fit new radiator without mods.
Fan is slightly closer to thicker 4Row core, but that's actually a good thing.