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Aluminum Radiator Swap (Champion)

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by TundaDownUnda, Jun 22, 2018.

  1. Jun 22, 2018 at 9:49 AM
    #1
    TundaDownUnda

    TundaDownUnda [OP] New Member

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    I noticed my go to radiator supplier for Classic cars(Champion Radiators) is also jumping into many newer applications including the 1st Gen Tundra's. Replacing my customers OEM style radiators with All aluminum radiator is Must Truck Mod in my eyes. High performance Aluminum dissipates heat so much better than the original plastic with tanks that always crack. heres a link if anyone is interested drops in all first gen Tundra core supports. http://www.championradiators.com/Toyota-Tundra-Radiator-2000-2006
     
    Dragracingdan and gosolo like this.
  2. Jun 22, 2018 at 10:16 AM
    #2
    n2deep

    n2deep Pavement Princess

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    I just replaced a radiator in my Gen2 and thought about going with an all aluminum but the stock radiator was designed by Toyota and had done a fine job of keeping the truck temps in the required range. Even when its 110 outside and towing the boat to the lake I never had and issue with cooling. I only replaced it because the aluminum fins were damaged and started to leak.
    For being your first post this seems like an advertisement/spam post to promote/sale your product.
     
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  3. Jun 22, 2018 at 11:47 AM
    #3
    TundaDownUnda

    TundaDownUnda [OP] New Member

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    I Had seen quite a few guys complaining on Tacoma world about the 1st gen Taco having cooling issues and had a very positive response I figured some guys with similar year Tundras had similar issues.
     
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  4. Jun 22, 2018 at 12:12 PM
    #4
    osidepunker

    osidepunker OsidePunker

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  5. Jun 22, 2018 at 12:17 PM
    #5
    n2deep

    n2deep Pavement Princess

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    Yeah don't know about any Gen1 cooling issues but maybe this would help if they have issues.
     
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  6. Jun 22, 2018 at 12:19 PM
    #6
    osidepunker

    osidepunker OsidePunker

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    Jimmy gen 1 has cooling problems and he replaced everything. New radiator water pump etc. He said he can't figure it out. Maybe he just needs to upgrade?
     
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  7. Jun 22, 2018 at 1:20 PM
    #7
    01erionracing

    01erionracing KJ6RKU

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    It was coincidence, after the BB trip on Monday I called several radiator shops from Riverside to OC described my cooling temperature warm issue. One shop stated t-stat and the other was said the radiator blockage anyhow I found Champion Radiator in OC and ordered one. It show up yesterday hopefully will be replace later today after work.
    IMG_1504.jpg IMG_1505.jpg

    This is full aluminum 3 core radiator looks very well built. They also offer 60 days satisfaction guarantee.
    This is a little brief about the truck cooling issue:
    High speed uphill engine temp increased to 3/4 the temp will decrease if I slow down or just stop taking a break.
    Wheelin 4lo climbing uphill with AC on no problem.
    I have replaced timing belt, water pump, tensioner, t-stat (maintenance schedule), mechanical fan clutch, radiator (was leak) all Toyota parts and about 50k miles ago.
    I also have 3/16 steel front, rear bumper, rock slider, roof rack.
     
    osidepunker[QUOTED] likes this.
  8. Jun 22, 2018 at 2:04 PM
    #8
    Jerry311SD

    Jerry311SD New Member

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    Let us know how this works out for you!
     
  9. Jun 23, 2018 at 8:57 AM
    #9
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Yes keep us informed. I replaced the 02’ radiator about 4 years ago with another OEM (plastic combo) radiator. When researching for new was surprised at all the plastic combo radiators out there. No 100% aluminum until seeing this one. My replacement OEM is working fine btw.
     
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  10. Jun 23, 2018 at 9:53 AM
    #10
    Jerry311SD

    Jerry311SD New Member

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    I'd like a big fat aluminum rad with a giant electric fan.
     
  11. Jun 23, 2018 at 5:33 PM
    #11
    Casper421

    Casper421 Toyota RidgeTrac driver!

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    The champion website offers a single 16” or dual 12” electric fans.
     
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  12. Jun 23, 2018 at 9:23 PM
    #12
    01erionracing

    01erionracing KJ6RKU

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    The new radiator was installed yesterday. One thing though there are 2 ears on the new radiator that hangs on the radiator support did not lined up, I have to cut it off. Other than that the installation was easy. I tested uphill last night the coolant temp did not creep up however it only happen when the ambient tempt upper 95° F, so I will tested again next week, the weather suppose to be in the high 90.
    Compared to the aftermarket OE
    IMG_1506.jpg

    Installed
    IMG_1508.jpg
     
  13. Jun 26, 2018 at 3:04 PM
    #13
    01erionracing

    01erionracing KJ6RKU

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    Update... I have ran 4 tests and the engine temp gauge stays solid center so I think the cooling issue temporary has been resolved after rad replaced.
    I have tested on a short grades, 6 miles and about 6% incline, I also pushed the engine above 3k rpm (75+ mph)

    Test 1
    Ambient temp: 75° F
    Loading: driver and my son
    Test 2
    Ambient temp: 95° F
    Loading: only driver

    Test 3
    Ambient temp: 95° F
    Loading: driver and 360 lbs quikrete

    Test 4
    Ambient temp: 98° F
    Loading: driver and 360 lbs quikrete
     
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  14. Jun 28, 2018 at 4:30 AM
    #14
    osidepunker

    osidepunker OsidePunker

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    Thats dope Jimmy ! Glad you got it resolved. I weigh 8k lbs and I've pushed my truck hard in deep sand at over 100 degrees for hours and it never overheats. I think the 1st gen just has an undersized radiator if you really push the truck
     
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  15. Jun 28, 2018 at 7:09 AM
    #15
    01erionracing

    01erionracing KJ6RKU

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    Additionally I have some weight on the truck winch/front/rear/roof rack/rockslider and skid plate and its 3/16" steel.
     
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  16. Jan 14, 2019 at 11:27 AM
    #16
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    Do you recall if you went with Denso on the replacement? I'm told that's who makes the factory radiator. Did you do this yourself?

    https://www.densoproducts.com/product.aspx?zpid=9086
     
  17. Jan 14, 2019 at 12:02 PM
    #17
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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  18. Jan 14, 2019 at 1:40 PM
    #18
    moonshineheadache

    moonshineheadache New Member

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  19. Jan 14, 2019 at 4:35 PM
    #19
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    My shop did it for me about 4 years ago. Its an aluminum and plastic rad. Can’t find a name on it, but its an aftermarket from what I remember (not Denso). That link looks like a great price.
     
  20. Jan 22, 2019 at 2:25 PM
    #20
    Jerry311SD

    Jerry311SD New Member

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    Does this Rad Hold more Coolant?
     
  21. Apr 11, 2019 at 3:35 AM
    #21
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    Hey guys! I'm pretty new to working on tundras, and to the site. Still learning my way around. I have a question that might be dumb, but here goes.

    About a week ago I replaced the radiator in my '02 tundra V6. I watched 1A Autos "how-to for V8" video, and noticed something about my truck. It has a separate radiator for oil cooler, and video has oil cooler lines hooked up to bottom of radiator.

    Could I hook my lines up to the same hose barb on radiator or is there a difference between the V6/V8 models I don't know about?

    Any reason for separate oil cooler rad?

    I purchased denso OEM radiator.

    Thank you for any/all info!
    Noah.
     
  22. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:20 AM
    #22
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    Awwww, that truck payment is so cute!
     
  23. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:37 AM
    #23
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    There is no payment, but thank you.

    Any helpful tips there, @bmf4069 ?
     
  24. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:41 AM
    #24
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    I was talking to the 3rd gen guy flapping gums in here. I know my 02 has a separate trans cooler. When I pulled my rad to do the fan clutch I only had to drain the coolant. Not sure on v6/v8 differences, but somebody should chime in shortly.
     
  25. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:43 AM
    #25
    Tundra2

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    Okay, thank you.
    My apologies for being harsh then. I thought the payment remark was towards me. Lol
     
  26. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:44 AM
    #26
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    All good. The internet is a harsh mistress when it comes to communication.
     
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  27. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:46 AM
    #27
    Tundra2

    Tundra2 Zoinked

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    Miscommunication may be a better fit, and the it was on my end.

    Lol. I saw an alert, and I usually only get those when I am mentioned in a post.
     
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  28. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:49 AM
    #28
    osidepunker

    osidepunker OsidePunker

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    @01erionracing you have any info on this? ^^
     
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  29. Apr 11, 2019 at 4:53 AM
    #29
    Tundra2

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  30. Apr 13, 2019 at 4:01 PM
    #30
    Nwa263 tundradc

    Nwa263 tundradc New Member

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    The lines you have highlighted are transmission lines. Not sure if its the same ont the v6 as the v8. Just replaced my radiator about a week ago.
     
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