2000 Xterra Radiator HELP!!!

Alex Montayre · #1 01-24-2013, 11:06 PM

Ive noticed that i have a steady leak at the bottom of my radiator from my 2000 xterra and i started doing some reading on the 2002 sc radiator vs. the all metal direct replacement. i was wondering if anyone had any certain feedback on one vs the other. any suggestions wud be great ive been reading other forums but, wanna get some feedback from you guys. I know 200 bucks for the full metal radiator is alot, but i know it wud be something i wud most likely not have to replace again.

thanks for your time, Alex.

RacerXXL · #2 01-24-2013, 11:54 PM

I have the 2002 SC in mine with plastic tanks and I love it. Upgrading to the SC radiator is definitely worth doing the change due to the increased cooling capacity and increased cooling surface area.

Now I went with plastic due largely to the fact I wheel mine a lot and the radiator potentially taking impact damage so I didn't want to pay for an all metal. The all metal is definitely going to be durable in the long run as the plastic tanks do crack from time to time.

Itsme · #3 01-25-2013, 10:08 AM

I use an all metal radiator, as I never liked plastic end tanks on an off road truck. I have a two row one and the engine never gets hot and if by some ugly reason, it got a leak, I can fix it in the field.
What ever one you decide on, make sure to get a two row or SC replacemet radiator.

ShiftingSkys · #4 01-25-2013, 10:22 AM

I Upgraded mine and wow the difference in size is ridiculous. I wheel a little bit as well and opted for the plastic tanks.

Alex Montayre · #5 01-25-2013, 03:07 PM

Yea thanks for feedback guys i went ahead and im pretty sure im guna order the full metal one off JcWhitney website. heres the one im guna order. it says direct oe replacement do you thing it'll fit right without any mods? thanks!

http://www.jcwhitney.com/csf-oe-repl...1705y2000g26j1

Alex Montayre · #6 01-26-2013, 10:01 PM

Do the plastic tank radiators have a correlation with cracking while doing light trails? I went on some light trails and then discovered a hairline crack on the top. Im pretty sure its been there before i discovered it, but im just curious. Thats why im ordering the metal one.

RacerXXL · #7 01-27-2013, 01:14 PM

They just crack over time. I'm sure wheeling them contributes to the issue as well.