RockAuto Denso Radiator

So I had a cracked radiator and decided to go with the Denso radiator (for an auto transmission truck) from RockAuto for my '03 V6/5spd Tacoma.

When I went to install it only 3 of the 4 bolt holes lined up to the core support/frame. Only 3 of the 4 bolt holes would line up with my shroud, and the radiator was about 1.5" taller than the outgoing one, leaving the bottom spout hanging 1.5" lower. So I had to go buy a random lower radiator hose (Gates 22328) and trim it to fit.

Do you guys think RockAuto sent me some knockoff counterfeit radiator?

And no my truck has never been in a wreck, so the holes not lining up is the fault of this radiator versus my truck.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of today's aftermarket parts, we deal with this kind of crap all the time even on some OEM parts.
But are you sure you got the right one? Looks like there's multiple options depending on the core size.

 

When I replaced the radiator on my 2004 I remember my truck had two different part numbers come up so I had to measure my old radiator to match up for the correct one. My guess is you have the wrong radiator I wouldn’t install it.

 

I'd "hog" out the odd hole and bolt it in.

Are you sure the previous owner didn't replace the radiator and you now have the correct radiator?

The v6 auto trucks have a taller radiator.

The core support isn't going to care if you drill or widen the last hole to fit that radiator.

Edit: just read your post again. You now have a rad for an automatic. It's a good thing as it's a bigger rad.

I wouldn't send it back.

 

I only saw one Denso option on RockAuto. They had lots of other questionable brands. The one they sent me didn't match the sizing they list for it on their website.

I made it work, and it'll be fine. I wire-tied the final bolt holes that wouldn't line up, but I hate having to redneck stuff like that, but am too impatient at the same time

 

Previous radiator also was an auto one too though (had the capped off trans cooler line ports). So i just seemingly got a larger core auto trans radiator

 

4cyl has a shorter core vs the v6

 

I bought mine from Partsgeek about 5 years ago. The top right bolt didn't quite line up by I was able to install it with no problems. BTW, that was my first repair on my truck. I wasn't aware of the transmission hoses so I got a little introduction. Lol

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...t-gen-edition.138573/page-11086#post-29990439

Found swapping on the original mounting brackets to the new radiator aligns the bolt holes. Have done this with Denso and other aftermarket.

 

Same thing happened with my Denso replacement from RockAuto. Only three of the four bolts lined up. 02 v6 auto. Never thought of using the old brackets! I’ll swap them out this weekend.

 

I used the old brackets as well and everything lined up. The side brackets that it comes with don't line up right.

 

same for me, I took off the brackets that came with the new radiator and used the old ones. not sure why the new ones are cut just a tad off

being in the rust belt one of my shroud bolts snapped anyway so just rigged something to hold it in that spot

also correct me if I'm wrong but the lower rad hose is different for 5spd vs auto so you would have to cut one?


@02hilux mentioned I4 vs V6 radiator, maybe your old one was for a 4cyl auto? interesting to note for future but no 5spd swap in mine. I barely drove the truck last year, still need to replace bushings to get it roadworthy

 

Future notes for radiator replacement.

There’s 3 different option Denso radiator for first gen Tacoma. Regardless of which one you buy, all three have the ATF cooler. Denso don’t have the option without like the original Toyota for the 5 speed. The good thing about having a 5 speed with an ATF cooler is having the option to use the built-in cooler for the power steering.

Denso 221-3136
Dimensions - Core Height: 20.62 Dimensions - Core Thickness: 1.25 Dimensions - Core Width: 24.62
Row: 1

$147 Denso 221-3137 Radiator

Denso 221-3137
Dimensions - Core Height: 18.75 Dimensions - Core Thickness: 1.00 Dimensions - Core Width: 24.62
Row: 1

$168 Denso 221-3138 Radiator

Denso 221-3138
Dimensions - Core Height: 22.75
Dimensions - Core Thickness: 1.25 Dimensions - Core Width: 24.62
Row: 1

My person opinion, might as well run full aluminum.
KoyoRad VH010513 & SK-C13 cap -
Core is 1.75 and 2 rows. Identical overall measurement to Denso 221-3136. This radiator coolant capacity is larger, hence, able to supply cooler coolant to the engine and have no ATF cooler. For the auto guys, you’ll need to run an external cooler like I did. Second picture, top is ATF cooler and lower is Power Steering cooler. I noticed a significant coolant temp drop with the Koyo vs Denso 221-3136 as my truck isn’t stock and on 40” tires with summer heat averaging 105+, per SG3.

If you’re running the shorter radiator, you’ll need a different lower hose: Gates 22120 / Napa 8791 and a Toyota Tacoma manual transmission fan shroud: #16711-07020 or #TO3110111

 

Regarding the lower radiator hose, I had an auto radiator to begin with (so that one obviously wasn't the stock radiator for my 5spd truck), and I installed a new auto radiator (albeit taller radiator), so my previous lower radiator hose was too short.

 

Will that Koyorad bolt right up? Would you have to swap the brackets from an existing radiator?

 

Direct fit for my 02 DC without modification to any part of the radiator support or radiator itself. Only difference is the radiator has no ATF cooler but will work for both transmissions. As stated, auto will need an external cooler. According to KoyoRad, the radiator fit 1995.5-2004: Koyorad Racing - News and Updates

What I like about the Koyo vs Champion and other aluminum radiator is the mounting bracket is separately, making it a two piece. Others, the mounting bracket is welded to the radiator, making is one piece. IMO, a two-piece help deflect vibration better vs one. Reference my picture in the above post, the black piece on the L/R is the bracket, it is bolted to the radiator.

I ran the same KoyoRad in my other cars without issue. Had this one in my truck for a couple years now, same result. Push the 40" tires with the supercharger, heavy AF to the trail and back. Thats some harsh and abusive mileage, trouble free so far.

 

Another vote for Koyorad all aluminum.

I recently installed a Koyorad all aluminum radiator in my 3RZ manual trans 3rd gen 4Runner, because I did not want the Denso auto radiator. (only type now available)
They are more expensive than Denso, but are high quality with extra capacity and nice fitment. When it's time for a new radiator in my Tacoma I will do the same.

 

so i had a phone chat here with a local Toyota specialist shop about getting a denso radiator that is a direct fitment to the MT gen1 Taco 5VZFE
she said she Can Definitely get a Denso aftermarket radiator that is for the MT
it would cost in the area of 600$ to 700$ she said for the part
Where Is This Mysterious Denso radiator located

 

For that price I'd just get the Koyorad aluminum one for much cheaper. $600-700 for a plastic radiator is ludicrous.

 

the ??? was where is this part? i cannot find this on any searches, they are all for the AT and droopy
mine is Not leaking in the present BUT it very brittle on the fins,
28 years old
turning to powder just rubbing a finger across it
is it decreasing the cooling efficiency?
700$ is like one new truck payment! truck was paid off 23 years ago LoL