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Cooling system upgrade

whitexj98

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Cali
My radiator has been leaking for a while now so here is a list of what will be going in.
-1998 4.0 AW4-

CSF 3 row radiator
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQJeepQQCherokeeQQCSFQQRadiatorQQ19982001QQCSF2671.html

B&M trans cooler ( I don't have a stock one)
http://www.amazon.com/70268-SuperCo...ission-Cooler/dp/B000CIGE9G/ref=pd_sim_auto_1

B&M temp gauge kit ( for peace of mind and why not)
http://www.amazon.com/80212-Transmission-Temperature-Gauge-Kit/dp/B0002A596I/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_cart_1

I just recently replaced my cap and thermostat with stant ones so im good there.
What do you think of my list? Am i missing anything?
 
its never a bad idea for a trans cooler, even though the radiator side tanks are used as transmission fluid coolers. make sure the radiator has metal side tanks not plastic. you may need a quick disconnect tool to remove the fittings to the radiator for the trans fluid lines.

if you live in a cold climate, dont eliminate the radiator cooler as it also warms the fluid for the transmission.

if it still has the original wtaer pump, i would also replace it as its 12 years old.
 
Since you are spending the money for a radiator I would also flush the heater core; replace the hoses, belt, fan clutch in addition to the previously mentioned W/P and check the vibration damper. The damper is easier to replace if the radiator is not in the way.

The trans cooler lines are easy to replace if you have the spring clip tools. The tools are not that expensive.
 
My radiator has been leaking for a while now so here is a list of what will be going in.
-1998 4.0 AW4-

CSF 3 row radiator
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQJeepQQCherokeeQQCSFQQRadiatorQQ19982001QQCSF2671.html

B&M trans cooler ( I don't have a stock one)
http://www.amazon.com/70268-SuperCo...ission-Cooler/dp/B000CIGE9G/ref=pd_sim_auto_1

B&M temp gauge kit ( for peace of mind and why not)
http://www.amazon.com/80212-Transmission-Temperature-Gauge-Kit/dp/B0002A596I/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_cart_1

I just recently replaced my cap and thermostat with stant ones so im good there.
What do you think of my list? Am i missing anything?


CSF radiator is a good piece...and its got a life time warranty. You have a stock cooler in the radiator but adding an external one is a great idea(I have a hayden transcooler but its all the same crap)

Id agree with flushing the heater core also.
 
I got the "fuel" line quick disconnect tools from my local Napa. The cheap plastic tools worked better than the metal one for the transmission quick disconnects.

Have some spare hose clamps on hand. (For water hoses and transmission lines.)

Anti-freeze and distilled water are always a good idea.

Some "extra" transmission cooler fluid hose will be necessary.

A couple of plastic zip ties or adel clamps to tie the tranny hoses down.

I also went to the JY and cut off the Cherokee transmission metal line at the radiator output (Upper) so I would not have to cut my lines. I left about 4 inches of line prior to the hex head connector. The lower line on my 99 was a QD.
 
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I haven't kept any of the XJs long enough to know the life span of the replacements from Kragen O'Reilly, but used them on my three older beater XJs (89, 87, and now 88). This week will OH the cooling system on Rightseatsis' 2001 XJ and will be getting all the parts from the local NAPA store. I have used NAPA W/Ps on other XJs I have worked on without complaints from the owners.

Do a search with "belt" as the key word. There was discussion a few years ago about which belts squeal the least. I prefer Gates for belts and hoses.

I made all the replacement suggestions as I am of the tear it down and do all the work once mentality.
 
NAPA, and always buy WPs NEW, never reman.
 
My radiator has been leaking for a while now so here is a list of what will be going in.
-1998 4.0 AW4-

CSF 3 row radiator
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQJeepQQCherokeeQQCSFQQRadiatorQQ19982001QQCSF2671.html

B&M trans cooler ( I don't have a stock one)
http://www.amazon.com/70268-SuperCooler-Automatic-Transmission-Cooler/dp/B000CIGE9G/ref=pd_sim_auto_1

B&M temp gauge kit ( for peace of mind and why not)
http://www.amazon.com/80212-Transmission-Temperature-Gauge-Kit/dp/B0002A596I/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_cart_1

I just recently replaced my cap and thermostat with stant ones so im good there.
What do you think of my list? Am i missing anything?

X 2 ..... in regard to adding a new waterpump and fanclutch to the list.

Then you know that there is no reason for the cooling system to be acting up ... or leaves little else to fault find if you have a problem later.

A general check & flushing of the complete system is a maintenance need.

Heater Core as mentioned,
Overflow bottle, cap & hose,
Radiator mounts .... many rad leaks can be attributed to failed mounts / worn grommets ... imho. (rubbing /rattling & electrolysis)
Thermostat temp sensor ... ensure it is clean & operating within specs,

We have an aftermarket 2core radiator over here, that performs much better than the factory unit .... So be aware ... its not the number of cores in the radiator ... but rather the tube/fin & flow arrangement that makes a good radiator ... The three core CSF seems to be a time proven, good upgrade tho ... according to posts on multiple US jeep forums.

KS ... is Kansas ???? .... If so ..... thermostat temps can probably be played around with a bit if you desired.

Im actually getting constant, 195'f coolant temps at either 100'f+ OR 50'f- daytime temps now, with a better radiator ... and bypassing the bodgy RHD oil cooler arrangement, and an aftermarket ... proper 195'f thermostat ... Most beneficial with our average temps. ;)

And .... at least on OBDII XJs ... It doesnt affect open/close loop operation in any way ...... contrary to popular belief ... :rolleyes:

I Currently have omix ada/rugged ridge USMW waterpump and fanclutch I fitted a while back ..... both work well.

To date ... I know they have a 6 month lifespan ...... :D
 
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