Which is the correct radiator

I have a 2000 Tacoma Prerunner V6 with the 3.4L, 2WD and automatic transmission. I noticed the radiator is leaking. The previous owner hit a deer and replaced the radiator and threw away the shroud. I bought a new shroud which I think is correct for this truck but it doesn't fit the radiator. Now that I need a new radiator I want to put the right one in. I think the previous owner bought the 4cyl one. Can someone with a 3.4L 2WD truck measure the width of the radiator core (in between tanks) for me? Also how does it mount? Because the radiator in the truck right now just hangs there off the top two bolts I feel like there should be a support underneath.

 

2001 Tacoma Prerunner V6 here; multiple radiators fit our truck, it's just a matter of height between the radiators which changes the mounting points.

I opted to put the one in the link as I had store credit and it was a perfect fit.



When you swap your radiator out, you don't have to take apart your shroud -



https://www.autozone.com/cooling-heating-and-climate-control/radiator/duralast-spi/237369_0

 

Call a dealer with your VIN and ask for the correct part number for both the radiator and shroud. Then go from there. Best to have the correct parts. Your engine won't cool as effectively w/o a shroud btw.

 

Sounds like the PO didn't put in a factory radiator if the shroud doesn't fit. Or it broke and he didn't bother replacing it.

And yeah, it should be supported by more than just the top bolts, lol... Again, either not a factory radiator, or just too lazy to put bolts in the lower mount.

Stolen from LowRangeOffRoad's site:
Toyota designed 3 different radiators for the 95-04's. There is no difference in inlet/outlet/mounting size/or style between the 3.4, 2.7 or 2.4. All the mounting brackets are the same. The difference in radiators from tallest to shortest is 22.5", 21" or 18" core.

So, the v6 3.4 autos have the biggest radiator because they also have an integrated trans cooler. 5 spds (afaik) use the shorter 21" radiator (no trans cooler). The cute little 4cyls use the 18". If you have an auto, you can use the 21", but you NEED to install an auxiliary trans cooler, too (it's good to have one of those even with the factory integrated trans cooler).

 

Thank you all for the help. Cross referencing multiple websites and your help it looks like I need to have the 22.5" radiator. I will order that one from RockAuto, and hopefully my shroud fits on it. I also need to figure out the rest of the mounting bolts.

 

Two "tabs/hooks" fall into the slots to support and hold the radiator; the radiator is then held by 4 bolts which are accessible through the front of the vehicle.

Pretty simple really.

While you're at it, I'd replace the hoses as well as draining and replacing the transmission fluid.

Pick up 4 quarts at from your local Toyota dealer and enough coolant to completely replace all of it as well as a new thermostat.

 

The bumper comes off to access the bolts at least mine did

Do the not have brackets that bolt to the radiator ??

Cause when I swapped my radiator I used the brackets

I never had a shroud no cooling issues but everything is new

 

Negative ghost rider - do not need to remove the bumper to access the bolts. Just need an extension and swivel.

This applies to both the "2000" style front end as well as the "2001" style front end.

 

there must have been some sort of damage it was the only way I could reach the bottom ones

turns out only the bumper cover was on all the rest was gone

 

I remember just taking the bumper off when I did my timing belt. It may not have been "necessary" but it seemed like a faster way to go since the bumper comes off real easy, and no bumper = a little easier access.

 

I made an account here just to reply to this thread. Spent the last few days trying to find replacement radiator for my 2002 Taco 4x4 auto trans 2.7L.

Seems like every website says all three sizes of radiators will work, but there’s a lot of feedback from guys saying some don’t fit right. Would love to find an all aluminum one but there aren’t many out there.

I guess I’ll need to call the dealer but doesn’t hurt to ask: Which radiator fits my truck?

Thanks

 

Technically, all sizes of radiators will "fit", but the smallest one, the 18" will likely end up with cooling problems on the 3.4L's. It's really meant for the 2.4L in the 5 lugs.

Do you have a 5 speed or an auto?


Here's the website where I got that quote from earlier:
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/toyo...6-with-solid-axle-swap-sas-radiator-1774.html

This says it's for a solid axle swap, but that's just because it is the smaller radiator that clears the SAS components. This should be a direct replacement for you, though. If you have a 3.5L auto like I do, you have a huge radiator that will interfere.

If you search around this site, there are several people who have installed aluminum rads, but I am of the opinion that these motors don't really "need" the fancy high end aluminum rads. These motors don't turn out high heat and high power (unless you maybe throw turbos at them).

 

It’s automatic transmission.

I’m trying to be sure since I’m doing the rad swap myself and it’s my only ride. Measuring the core is tough when it’s still under the hood.

Hoping someone with a 2002 2.7L auto 4x4 can chime in and confirm I need the 18” core.

 

Measure the distance between the center of the bottom bolt to the bottom of your radiator.

I'll get mine after I get off of work tonight; from there figure the difference. I'm running the 22.5" sized radiator but I'm a V6 auto.

 

So yesterday, I crudely measured my new shroud (the one that doesnt fit my radiator) and the opening was almost 23", then I measured my radiator and it measures almost 19" between tanks. So I am assuming I have the correct shroud for my truck and the PO put in the incorrect radiator, then the bolt holes did not line up so he bothered not to put them in. Looking at where I think the lower bolts should go in, it does not look like I have to remove the bumper or grill. This is the same PO that cut the AC line for some unknown reason, put in a new condenser and never replaced the line, so that is also next on my to do list.

 

I love cleaning up other people's messes.

From the link I posted earlier, your 2.7 should run the 21" rad.