If you’re looking for the best Jeep TJ radiator upgrade, you’ve come to the right spot. This post covers everything you need to know before upgrading your Jeep’s radiator.
You’ll learn what kind of radiator does the job well and what options you may have for your Jeep TJ, or other variants, too, perhaps.
So make sure to give every section a read, as there are important things you should know beforehand..
Click here to skip to our recommended pick!
- Fitment: 1988-1989/2004-2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ
- Core Type: 4-Row
- Material: Aluminum
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your OzCoolingParts Radiator for Jeep Wrangler 1988 1989 2004 2005 YJ TJ 2.4L- 4.2L at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ/JK
- Manufacturer: Mopar
- Material: Aluminum
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your Mopar 5503 7652AA Radiator at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ
- Manufacturer: STAYCO
- Material: Aluminum
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your STAYCO CU2101 Radiator at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ/YJ
- Core Type: 3-Row
- Material: Aluminum
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your STAYCO CoolingSky Aluminum Radiator for 1987-06 Jeep Wrangler YJ TJ 2.4/2.5/4.0/4.2L – Direct Replacement at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ/YJ
- Core Type: 3-Row
- Material: Aluminum
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your ALLOYWORKS Aluminum Radiator For 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ 2.4L 2.5L 4.0L 4.2L L4 L6 at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler TJ/YJ
- Installation: Bolt-On
- Material: All Aluminum
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your GPLUS Radiator and 9-Inch Fan For 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1987-2006 Jeep TJ
- Number of Blades: 10
- Manufacturer: A-Team Performance
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your A-Team Performance 16-Inch Electric Radiator Cooling Fan at Amazon!
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
OzCoolingParts Aluminum Jeep Wrangler Radiator for 1988 1989 2004 2005 YJ TJ 2.4L- 4.2L
The overall number one pick for the Jeep TJ radiator upgrade is the OzCoolingParts Aluminum Jeep Wrangler Radiator. Here are the top three reasons why:
- Aluminum construction that’s top quality
- High cooling capacity
- Wide compatibility
It’s chosen as the top product because it checks all the requirements of a quality radiator and will ensure you don’t have any overheating issues.
The OzCoolingParts radiator for Jeep TJ is made of T-6061 aluminum. It delivers high-performance and has a much better cooling rate than the factory-installed radiator, which by now has aged as well.
It fits a wide range of Jeep Wrangler models, including the Jeep TJ, running from 1987 to 2006. So it has very high compatibility with Jeep vehicles from the last two decades.
It’s also CE approved, so you can be sure there are no harmful materials used in its construction. All in all, it’s a quality product that will allow the Jeep to run better even after all these years.
Jeep TJ Radiator Upgrade Benefits
There are a number of benefits in upgrading the radiator of Jeep Wrangler TJ, even if it’s not quite asking for an upgrade. Aftermarket radiators, especially those for older models, are much more efficient at cooling.
Here are the main benefits.
More Rows, Better Cooling
Legacy radiators didn’t have as many rows in the radiator as today’s models do. The greater the number of rows and fins, the better the heat dissipation. So a TJ radiator upgrade with more rows than the factory-installed one is definitely going to be an improvement.
Aluminum Construction
You can improve the cooling rate considerably with a Jeep TJ aluminum radiator. Aluminum is a material that dissipates heat much better than some of the other common metals and alloys. For this reason, most modern radiators are fully constructed with industry-grade aluminum.
This can benefit you and save you from any potential repairs due to overheating. An overheating radiator doesn’t just cause the car to break down in the middle of the road but may also lead to other issues under the hood.
Lightweight
The factory radiator in your Jeep would likely be made of brass, which is much heavier than aluminum. A lightweight radiator can help improve the performance of the car. It will give a boost to the horsepower, converting those few extra pounds into speed.
Dual-Pass Design
The new performance radiator for Jeep TJ would have a dual-pass design, in that the tubes go from one side to the other and then turn back and so on. So basically, they exit on the same side as they started.
This design structure also affects the cooling rate, resulting in that sweet spot where you don’t want it too hot or too cold.
Best Jeep TJ Radiator Upgrade
THE TOP BEST PRODUCT[HIDE]
2. Mopar 5503 7652AA Radiator
3. STAYCO CU2101 Radiator
4. STAYCO CoolingSky Aluminum Radiator for 1987-06 Jeep Wrangler YJ TJ 2.4/2.5/4.0/4.2L – Direct Replacement
5. ALLOYWORKS Aluminum Radiator For 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ 2.4L 2.5L 4.0L 4.2L L4 L6
6. GPLUS Radiator and 9-Inch Fan For 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ
7. A-Team Performance 16-Inch Electric Radiator Cooling Fan
OzCoolingParts Radiator for Jeep Wrangler 1988 1989 2004 2005 YJ TJ 2.4L- 4.2L
The OzCoolingParts produces reliable radiators and other components that keep the temperature of the car ideal. This particular model replaces the 87-06 Jeep Wrangler radiator.
It’s made of high-quality aluminum, which is known to dissipate heat much better than the legacy brass radiators. Also, it’s tried and tested, so it fits the bill.
This one has the potential to perform better than the radiator that already exists in your Jeep. Even if that radiator works fine, this upgrade would be a major improvement.
Compatibility: 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ
Mopar 5503 7652AA Radiator
The Mopar 5503 7652AA radiator is the best replacement radiator for Jeep JK and TJ. It’s a genuine Mopar part from a company that has built its reputation for reliability.
It should fit any Jeep Wrangler TJ from 1987 up until 2006. It’s the exact OEM radiator, so you can’t really go wrong as far as compatibility is concerned.
It’s particularly good if your current radiator has an overheating problem or has developed a leak. This replacement would get rid of all those issues, with its high-quality construction.
Compatibility: 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ, JK
STAYCO CU2101 Radiator
The STAYCO CU2101 radiator has a modern construction with a corrosion-resistant 3003 aluminum tube. The high-fin density core allows for quick cooling. It will likely exceed the cooling performance of the factory radiator.
The TIG-welded tanks ensure there’s no leakage. Similarly, it’s also ideal for very low temperatures. It has a thermal shocked gasket. As a result, it will likely last a long time and will deal with any overheating problems you may be having. It’s the best budget choice if you don’t want to spend a lot of money replacing the radiator.
The core size of the radiator is 19 1/5″ x 18 1/8″ x 1 1/4″, whereas the inlet 1 ¼” diameter.
Compatibility: 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ
STAYCO CoolingSky Aluminum Radiator for 1987-06 Jeep Wrangler YJ TJ 2.4/2.5/4.0/4.2L – Direct Replacement
The STAYCO CoolingSky Aluminum Radiator is the premium choice with its precision-engineered aluminum rows. It’s one of the sturdiest choices that can withstand a lot of beating over time.
It can dissipate heat very well. The Jeep will see a considerable improvement in temperatures, especially in very hot regions, so it’s the best aluminum radiator for Jeep TJ.
This one also includes an internal transmission cooler, which works great for an automatic transmission. Then you also have a radiator cap and brass drain plug, so it’s a complete solution for the radiator upgrade.
It fits the Jeep Wrangler like a glove with very precise dimensions. It can work with a variety of engines in the Jeep Wrangler TJ models. The core thickness is 2 ⅛”.
Compatibility: 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ
ALLOYWORKS Aluminum Radiator For 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ 2.4L 2.5L 4.0L 4.2L L4 L6
The ALLOYWORKS Aluminum Radiator is another great aftermarket radiator for Jeep Wrangler. It has a three-row 56 mm core racing design that’s a significant improvement over the factory-installed one.
Even if the radiator in your Jeep Wrangler is working fine, upgrading to this ALLOYWORKS radiator will give a performance boost. It can improve cooling by as much as 45 percent. So ideal for those vehicles generating a lot of heat.
This aluminum radiator Jeep TJ is tested and certified to be compatible with Jeep Wrangler YJ as well. The core size is 18.11” x 20.14” x 2.1”, and the inlet is 1.25/1.5”.
Compatibility: 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ
GPLUS Radiator and 9-Inch Fan For 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ
This radiator upgrade solution from GPLUS includes an all-aluminum radiator and a 9-inch cooling fan. It’s a lightweight radiator with simple bolt-on installation. It will fit in the compatible Jeep Wrangler seamlessly.
This Jeep TJ aluminum radiator and electric fan can significantly improve the cooling process. Aluminum dissipates heat and the electric fan amps up the cooling rate. Overheating is virtually impossible with this upgrade.
The core size of this radiator is 18.11″ x 16.93″ x 2.95″. The 12-Volt fan rotates at max 2500 RPM.
Compatibility: 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ
A-Team Performance 16-Inch Electric Radiator Cooling Fan
You can also improve your Jeep’s radiator with a simple fan upgrade with this A-Team fan. With its reversible 10-piece blade construction, it can help deal with any overheating problem.
It has a 3000 CFM flow rate, thanks to a high-torque motor. The best part is the fan doesn’t create much sound, so the upgrade won’t be noticeable.
This does require assembly, but it comes with detailed assembly and installation instructions.
Compatibility: Jeep TJ Radiator 1987-2006
How to Install Jeep TJ Radiator
You’d think that replacing the radiator in your Jeep TJ would be a hard task that only a professional can do, but it’s really not.
If you have the right tools, you can easily do it at home. It does take a couple of hours, but then you save money.
Here’s a detailed video for Jeep Wrangler 4.0 replacement. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and ensure the car is not hot.
