New radiator source?

[turbojeff]

I need a new radiator for my 85 4x4 but I'm having trouble finding one. Mine is about 15.5 x 24".

Any tips on a source? Does the 2nd gen radiator fit a 1st gen. If so, which model?

Thanks
Jeff

[Law Dog]

Might look into a recore there are a few options on 85 several in fact.

[xboxrox]

1st Gen Montero fits
Search YouTube: Mighty Max / Ram50 / D50 / L200 4WD radiator upgrade
I think AMAYAMA sells a radiator that fits (you must search which Mitsu vehicle has it)
GRIFFEN Radiator Co. sells Starion alum rad that fits $800

[Law Dog]

From the car-parts.com search they list several options just to search for, one engine size and transmission type selected before the search.

[FMS88]

I need a new radiator for my 85 4x4 but I'm having trouble finding one. Mine is about 15.5 x 24".

Any tips on a source? Does the 2nd gen radiator fit a 1st gen. If so, which model?

Thanks
Jeff

All 1st and 2nd gen 4x4 trucks with the 2.6 engine have radiators with the dimensions of your '85. The only big difference is the Gen1 radiators are two row while the Gen 2 are single row. I believe the 2wd trucks with the 2.6 engines radiators of the same size, too.

Here's are a couple threads that discuss radiator options that could work for your truck:
http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/showthread.php/8844-Radiator-for-1988-Mitsubishi-Mighty-Max

http://www.mightyram50.net/vbulletin/showthread.php/8665-New-here-91-mighty-max-4x4?p=80282#post80282

[xboxrox]

W/O checking, I think there is a size difference between 2WD & 4WD but either size fits the truck ~ one of the Mitsubishi vehicles @ AMAYAMA uses a radiator that is either an exact or close match $425.00 + $125.00 shipping (memory $ guess) if all true 'n really available then it would be an original OEM bronze radiator

https://www.amayama.com/en/part/mitsubishi/mb007758

[turbojeff]

Thanks for the reply.

Is the 2nd gen radiator the same size? I haven't seen measurements but a few photos make it look similar. I am taking the brass tank radiator back to the radiator shop Monday, I think they might fix it since replacements aren't so available.

[Law Dog]

If the tanks are good a recore would last a long time.

[FMS88]

Thanks for the reply.

Is the 2nd gen radiator the same size? I haven't seen measurements but a few photos make it look similar. I am taking the brass tank radiator back to the radiator shop Monday, I think they might fix it since replacements aren't so available.

The radiator core of 87-89 2nd Gen trucks with the 2.6L engine is 15-3/4 x 23-5/8 wide, the same as that for your '85 4x4. The 2nd Gen trucks with the 2.0L engine have a narrower and slightly shorter rad (approx. 14x19"). I don't know the dimensions of 90+ truck radiators. Core sizes may differ slightly from one manufacturer to another, but if in the 15 x 24inch range, it should fit if specified for the 87-89 Ram 50.
Also, before I broadsided a deer, I had a radiator from an '86 Gen 1 4x4 in my '88 4x4 because the '86 had two rows compared to one and the original plugged up. Fitment was the same. Now I have the 188AA Liland aluminum radiator which works great.

[Havelthebonk]

Summit I believe

[turbojeff]

I bought a new 1988 Mighty Max radiator for a 4x4 from OReillys, didn't fit at all. The bottom hit the frame, the radiator cap protruded from the top. It was 2-3" to tall. Tried Mitsubishi parts direct, radiator listed on site. Order was cancelled due to no inventory.

Amayama was not availabe either.

Looked on car-part, called a few places, they don't ship.

Starting to think I need to design my own and get it custom made.

[turbojeff]

It seems easy to find 2WD radiators however. I guess I could do that in a pinch but it seems that the designers changed the size of the radiator due to a need for it.

[FMS88]

It seems easy to find 2WD radiators however. I guess I could do that in a pinch but it seems that the designers changed the size of the radiator due to a need for it.

Based on the size figures in your original post it looked like the 86-89 radiator would fit. Clearly that's not the case. I've since found the '85 and earlier rads are smaller. Sorry for the bad info and any hassles it caused. O'Reilly lists two heights, ~13 and ~15" tall. Both are 19" wide.

[SubGothius]

Starting to think I need to design my own and get it custom made.

Or just have a local radiator shop rebuild yours with a new core (tubes and fins), reusing your original tanks (the end parts) if those are still reasonably sound.

[turbojeff]

Or just have a local radiator shop rebuild yours with a new core (tubes and fins), reusing your original tanks (the end parts) if those are still reasonably sound.

I neglected to say that I did try that, the local shop said it wasn't rebuildable and there are no other shops close that rebuild radiators anymore. It does have a small leak in the center of the top tank.

[turbojeff]

Based on the size figures in your original post it looked like the 86-89 radiator would fit. Clearly that's not the case. I've since found the '85 and earlier rads are smaller. Sorry for the bad info and any hassles it caused. O'Reilly lists two heights, ~13 and ~15" tall. Both are 19" wide. The 88 radiator is slightly different, the bottom corners need a larger chamfer to clear the frame and the top tank was as tall as the old radiator's radiator cap.

I could get the tank corners cut and rewelded with a larger chamfer but then I think the radiator neck will still be too tall (didn't measure tho). The cores look the same, bolt holes were the same. So maybe an OEM 88 radiator would fit.

[turbojeff]

Pics are worth a 1000 words.

[turbojeff]

These pictures were taken with the mounting holes lined up so the 1988 radiator is bigger on the bottom and the top. The core was almost the same size, +/- 1/16 or 1/8".

[FMS88]

With the new radiator resting upright on the frame/radiator support, how far off are the mounting holes? Also, will the hood close without contacting the radiator cap? Maybe you can drill new mounting holes if there's enough clearance at the top. What's the brand/manufacturer of the aluminum radiator?

[turbojeff]

With the new radiator resting upright on the frame/radiator support, how far off are the mounting holes? Also, will the hood close without contacting the radiator cap? Maybe you can drill new mounting holes if there's enough clearance at the top. What's the brand/manufacturer of the aluminum radiator?

With mounting holes lined up the radiator cap was about 1" higher than the original radiator. Then adding the ~1" height caused by the frame interference the mounting holes weren't close enough to even me in the mount. I don't recall the manufacture of the radiator. Oreilly's website has an OEM style radiator pictured, not the welded AL style.

[FMS88]

My 88 has two sets of mounting bolt holes in the radiator support. One is ~1.25 inches higher than the lower. If it's the same for your 85, can you use the upper set to mount the new rad and retain enough clearance between the cap and hood?