Topic: Radiator Question

[Dirt Mover]

85 4Runner gets hot while off road at slow speed and I'm thinking it's time to swap radiators. Flushed the system, replaced thermostat with a new Toyota one, put a new water pump in and an after market temp gauge. Shroud is still in it, fan and fan clutch are fine.
I thought that I have read Toyota put a 3 core in the later models. Which year is the best replacement?
While driving on road it runs at 180 and no more than 190 while taking off from a stop, then quickly drops back to 180.

[Cheesemaker]

Get one for a V6.  I've seen guys get a lower temp t-stat too. 

[redwolf3]

I've been running one of the super single-core all aluminum radiators that a few guys sell on eBay (such as these guys here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOYOTA-PICKUP-4RUNNER-ALUMINUM-CORE-RADIATOR-22R-22RE-T-/160996462062?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3A4Runner&hash=item257c230dee&vxp=mtr).

It seems to keep everything plenty cool in my truck. It appears that it is more of a late-model style, as it has the smaller radiator cap, but it bolted right into my '85 with the factory mounting holes, radiator shroud, and radiator fan. I had heard that some people had issues getting them to fit and had to drill their mounting holes down about 1" to 2", but I didn't have any such issues.

Only problem I have with the all aluminum on is that the aluminum transfers heat well, so it's very hard to work on the truck when it's hot without a big rubber mat over the radiator.

[Ferg]

How did you test your fan clutch?  It should be 'loose' when coolant and air across the radiator is 'cold'.  Should be 'stiff' or feel resistive when things are warmed up or hot.

[Moit88RNR]

I have a 3 core in my 88 4runner and once it's warmed up the needle never moves no matter how I'm driving or the temp outside. Good way to go. 

[Cheesemaker]

I'm running a standard 4 cyl rad, and a 180* Carquest t-stat, and no fan shroud.  Mine stock gauge goes up to the halfway mark, and stays there.  Even if I'm driving around in the woods all day long.

[yotacrawler1]

you could always put a big washer in your fan clutch. direct drive.  a lot noisier though hahaha

[Dirt Mover [OP]]

Moved and finally got internet again.
The original radiator worked fine the first 14 yrs I had it. It acted up last season on Swamp and again the last few trips out. A 4 cylinder would probably be just fine. Since I'm planning to replace it, upgrading seems like the smart thing to do.

[tyes]

4 cyl will be just fine!! I have a 4cyl and when my metal radiator went out, i got a spectra i think.. and it work great along with a 180 temp thermastate, and a ford taurus electric fan.. stayed nice and cool....

[CrazyYota]

85 4Runner gets hot while off road at slow speed and I'm thinking it's time to swap radiators. Flushed the system, replaced thermostat with a new Toyota one, put a new water pump in and an after market temp gauge. Shroud is still in it, fan and fan clutch are fine.
I thought that I have read Toyota put a 3 core in the later models. Which year is the best replacement?
While driving on road it runs at 180 and no more than 190 while taking off from a stop, then quickly drops back to 180.

86 turbo toyota had a three core radiator. 

http://www.partstrain.com/store/details/Toyota/Pickup/CSF/Radiator/1986/SR5_Turbo/4_Cyl_2-dot-4L/CSF2314.html

[Cheesemaker]

My truck had a turbo model radiator was the same thickness as a v6 radiator.  And they are the same size.   Plus a V6 doesn't have the extra nipple to plug off.

[Dirt Mover [OP]]

Turbo radiator ordered. Should be here soon.

[89MiniTruck]

I think you will be a happy camper ...

[Dirt Mover [OP]]

Had to trim the shroud to get it to fit correctly. My heating problem ended up being the head gasket. The new radiator, new water pump, new fan clutch, new thermostat are able to keep it from getting above 190* while driving, but it's losing compression into the cooling system so it's parked for now. Decided to install a rebuilt long block instead of just fixing the head gasket. Should be running again by the end of May.