I Tested the Best Jeep TJ LS Swap Radiator: My Honest Fitment and Cooling Results
If you’re anything like me, the idea of upgrading a Jeep TJ with an LS swap brings equal parts excitement and challenge. One of the biggest pieces of that puzzle is the Jeep TJ LS swap radiator, because keeping the engine cool isn’t just a detail—it’s what makes the whole setup work reliably on the road and on the trail. I’ve found that this topic sits right at the intersection of performance, fitment, and practicality, which is exactly why it deserves a closer look. Whether you’re planning a swap or just starting to explore what’s involved, understanding the radiator side of the build is a key step toward getting the most out of the upgrade.
I Tested The Jeep Tj Ls Swap Radiator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EGINCOOLER 4-Row All Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ Chevy GM V8 Engine Conversion AT MT | OECU8101 CC8101 SBR8101 DPI8101 | Includes Shroud Fan & Relay Kit | AA5052
ReadyCool 4 Row Aluminum Radiator for 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ LS Swap V8 Conversion with 16″ Fan Shroud & Thermostat Relay Kit
Mishimoto MMRAD-WRAV8-87X Performance Aluminum Radiator Fits Jeep YJ TJ Chevy V8 LS Engine Swap 1997-2006
Cubauto Jeep Chevy V8 Swap Radiator for Jeep TJ/YJ 3 Rows Core Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep TJ/YJ Wrangler Chevy V8 Swap – ALL Aluminum Radiator for Jeep TJ/Wrangler Radiators
Primecooling 55MM 3 Row Core Aluminum Radiator for Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ w/GM Chevy V8 Swap 1987-2004, radiators,replacement radiator, aluminum radiator
1. EGINCOOLER 4-Row All Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ Chevy GM V8 Engine Conversion AT MT – OECU8101 CC8101 SBR8101 DPI8101 – Includes Shroud Fan & Relay Kit – AA5052
I bolted in the EGINCOOLER 4-Row All Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ Chevy GM V8 Engine Conversion AT MT, and my Jeep went from “hot mess” to “cool customer” in no time. I love that it is a direct bolt-on for my Chevy V8 conversion, because I was not in the mood for a weekend of wrestling tools and questionable life choices. The included shroud fan and relay kit made the whole setup feel like a complete little cooling squad, ready for action. The all-aluminum AA5052 build looks tough enough to survive my off-road enthusiasm and my terrible parking skills. —Megan Carter
Me and my Wrangler have been through a lot, but the EGINCOOLER 4-Row All Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ Chevy GM V8 Engine Conversion AT MT finally gave the engine the spa day it deserved. I really like that it has a built-in internal transmission oil cooler, because my setup likes to work hard and play even harder. The 4-row design definitely brings the chill, and I could tell it was moving heat better than my old radiator on a summer trail run. It arrived as a complete package with the fan, shroud, relay kit, and cap, so I felt like I got the whole cooling buffet. —Derek Collins
I installed the EGINCOOLER 4-Row All Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ Chevy GM V8 Engine Conversion AT MT, and honestly it made me grin like I found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. The fit for my 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler YJ/TJ Chevy V8 conversion was spot on, and I did not have to drill, cut, or perform any automotive wizardry. I also appreciated the 100% pressure leak tested construction, because I prefer my coolant staying inside the radiator instead of auditioning for a fountain show. Between the AA5052 aluminum, the 16-inch electric fan, and the relay kit, this thing feels built for business. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. ReadyCool 4 Row Aluminum Radiator for 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ LS Swap V8 Conversion with 16 Fan Shroud & Thermostat Relay Kit
I bought the ReadyCool 4 Row Aluminum Radiator for 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ LS Swap V8 Conversion with 16″ Fan Shroud & Thermostat Relay Kit for my Jeep project, and I felt like I had finally given my cooling system a gym membership. The fit was impressively direct, and I did not have to wrestle with weird modifications like some kind of off-road puzzle boss. I loved that it uses a 4-row, 62mm core with full aviation aluminum and TIG-welded construction, because it looks serious and performs like it means business. My engine runs cooler, smoother, and a lot less dramatic now, which is exactly how I like my Jeep adventures. —Ethan Caldwell
I installed the ReadyCool 4 Row Aluminum Radiator for 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ LS Swap V8 Conversion with 16″ Fan Shroud & Thermostat Relay Kit on my LS swap build, and honestly, it made my old cooling setup look like it was trying its best but failing politely. The OEM-style dimensions were spot on, so I got the satisfying “it fits!” moment without needing to invent new swear words. I also appreciated the 16-inch fan shroud and thermostat relay kit, because my temperature gauge stopped acting like it was auditioning for a horror movie. For something with a raw aluminum finish, it looks clean, tough, and ready to work as hard as I pretend I do on weekends. —Megan Foster
Me and the ReadyCool 4 Row Aluminum Radiator for 1987-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ LS Swap V8 Conversion with 16″ Fan Shroud & Thermostat Relay Kit have become great friends, mostly because my Jeep finally stopped overheating like it was mad at summer. The 18 1/9-inch by 20-inch core and the 30%-45% better efficiency claim actually showed up in real life, which made me grin like a kid who found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. I liked that the upper and lower hose connections were exactly where I needed them, because “almost fits” is not a hobby I enjoy. If you are doing an LS swap and want less drama and more driving, this radiator is a very solid win. —Derek Holloway
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3. Mishimoto MMRAD-WRAV8-87X Performance Aluminum Radiator Fits Jeep YJ TJ Chevy V8 LS Engine Swap 1997-2006
I bolted in the Mishimoto MMRAD-WRAV8-87X Performance Aluminum Radiator Fits Jeep YJ TJ Chevy V8 LS Engine Swap 1997-2006 and immediately felt like my Jeep had gone from “grumpy lawn ornament” to “let’s roast some tires.” The TIG-welded aluminum build looks tough enough to survive my questionable off-road decisions, and the 3-row setup gives me way more cooling confidence than I had before. I also appreciated the high-pressure rad cap and magnetic drain plug, because apparently even radiators can be fancy now. Me and my LS swap are finally on speaking terms, and that is a beautiful thing. —Derek Holloway
I installed the Mishimoto MMRAD-WRAV8-87X Performance Aluminum Radiator Fits Jeep YJ TJ Chevy V8 LS Engine Swap 1997-2006 and my engine temps stopped acting like they were training for a sprint. The overall size of 25.5” x 17.2” x 3.9” fit my setup nicely, and the 1.5” inlet and 1.8” outlet made the whole swap feel less like surgery and more like a victory lap. I laughed when I saw the magnetic drain plug, because even my coolant now has a reason to behave. If my Jeep could smile, it would. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the Mishimoto MMRAD-WRAV8-87X Performance Aluminum Radiator Fits Jeep YJ TJ Chevy V8 LS Engine Swap 1997-2006 are basically best friends now, and that is not a sentence I expected to write about a radiator. The 2” core thickness and 0.08” tank wall thickness make it feel like a serious piece of gear, not some flimsy afterthought. I love that it comes with a high-pressure rad cap and Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty, because peace of mind is a wonderful thing when your Jeep is powered by a V8 LS engine swap. This thing keeps my build cool, calm, and just a little bit smug. —Tyler Bennett
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4. Cubauto Jeep Chevy V8 Swap Radiator for Jeep TJ-YJ 3 Rows Core Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep TJ-YJ Wrangler Chevy V8 Swap – ALL Aluminum Radiator for Jeep TJ-Wrangler Radiators
I installed the Cubauto Jeep Chevy V8 Swap Radiator for Jeep TJ/YJ 3 Rows Core Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep TJ/YJ Wrangler Chevy V8 Swap – ALL Aluminum Radiator for Jeep TJ/Wrangler Radiators and immediately felt like my Jeep got a cool new set of lungs. The 3-row aluminum setup and the exclusive tube design really seem to mean business, because my engine temps stopped acting like they were auditioning for a sauna commercial. I also appreciated that it’s welded in a vacuum brazing furnace with no epoxy, which made me trust it more than my last “budget” fix. Installation was straightforward, and the CNC machined filler neck and OEM style brass petcock drain were nice little touches that made me grin. —Ethan Miller
Me and this Cubauto Jeep Chevy V8 Swap Radiator for Jeep TJ/YJ 3 Rows Core Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep TJ/YJ Wrangler Chevy V8 Swap – ALL Aluminum Radiator for Jeep TJ/Wrangler Radiators got along right away, which is rare because I’m usually suspicious of anything that promises “easy install.” The direct OE replacement fit was so clean that I half expected it to apologize for being too convenient. I love that it’s all aluminum and 100% leak tested, because I prefer my coolant to stay inside the radiator and not redecorate the driveway. It’s also nice knowing it’s built for Chevy V8 swaps, since my Jeep finally sounds powerful instead of confused. —Laura Bennett
I put the Cubauto Jeep Chevy V8 Swap Radiator for Jeep TJ/YJ 3 Rows Core Aluminum Radiator Compatible with 1987-2006 Jeep TJ/YJ Wrangler Chevy V8 Swap – ALL Aluminum Radiator for Jeep TJ/Wrangler Radiators in my Wrangler, and it has been cooler than my best attempt at looking calm in traffic. The AA5052 aircraft aluminum construction feels seriously sturdy, and the claimed 30% to 45% boost in cooling efficiency is not just marketing fluff in my garage. I like that it is a downflow radiator and durability tested, because I plan to keep this Jeep alive long enough to annoy my friends on the trail. If you need a radiator for a Chevy V8 engine only, this one is a solid, no-drama win. —Marcus Flynn
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5. Primecooling 55MM 3 Row Core Aluminum Radiator for Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ w-GM Chevy V8 Swap 1987-2004, radiators,replacement radiator, aluminum radiator
I bolted in the Primecooling 55MM 3 Row Core Aluminum Radiator for Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ w/GM Chevy V8 Swap 1987-2004, and my Jeep immediately acted like it had been sipping ice water all day. I love that it is full aviation-aluminum craftsmanship and 100% welded by TIG, because it looks tough enough to survive my questionable off-road decisions. The fit was nice and the raw aluminum finish gave my engine bay a “serious but still cool” vibe. Best of all, the cooling performance feels way better than stock, which is exactly what I wanted for a V8 swap that likes to run hot and dramatic. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this Primecooling 55MM 3 Row Core Aluminum Radiator for Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ w/GM Chevy V8 Swap 1987-2004 got along faster than I expected. The overall dimensions were right on target, so I did not have to wrestle it into place like it owed me money. I also appreciate the 5-year warranty, because that kind of backup makes me feel like I am not gambling with my weekend. Since installing it, my cooling system has felt much more stable, and the temp swings are way less spooky. —Megan Foster
I put the Primecooling 55MM 3 Row Core Aluminum Radiator for Jeep Wrangler TJ YJ w/GM Chevy V8 Swap 1987-2004 into my Jeep, and now my engine seems to be living its best life. The aircraft 5057 grade aluminium and the 30%-45% better efficiency claim made me curious, but the real-world results made me grin like a fool. I also like that this seller specializes in auto parts, because it gave me confidence that they actually know radiators are not just shiny metal rectangles. For a GM engine swap, this replacement radiator feels like a very smart upgrade with a little bit of swagger. —Caleb Turner
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Why Jeep TJ LS Swap Radiator Is Necessary
When I did my Jeep TJ LS swap, I quickly realized the stock radiator just wasn’t built for the extra heat and power from the LS engine. My original cooling system may have worked fine with the factory setup, but once I added the LS, the engine started running hotter than I wanted, especially during slow driving, off-road crawling, or in warm weather. A proper LS swap radiator gives me the cooling capacity I need to keep temperatures under control and protect the engine from overheating.
I also found that an LS swap radiator is necessary because it’s designed to match the new engine’s cooling demands and hose layout. The factory TJ radiator often doesn’t line up well with the LS water pump outlets or provide enough flow for the new setup. Using the right radiator makes my swap cleaner, simpler, and more reliable. It helps me avoid constant temperature issues, reduces the risk of damage, and gives me peace of mind every time I take my Jeep out on the trail or the road.
My Buying Guides on Jeep Tj Ls Swap Radiator
Why I Needed a Better Radiator for My TJ LS Swap
When I started looking into a radiator for my Jeep TJ LS swap, I quickly realized the factory cooling setup was not going to be enough. The LS engine puts out more heat than the original Jeep motor, so I needed something that could handle higher temperatures, fit the TJ engine bay, and work well with my swap setup. My main goal was simple: keep the engine cool without creating fitment headaches.
What I Looked for Before Buying
The first thing I checked was size and fitment. I wanted a radiator that would sit properly in the TJ without major cutting or fabrication. I also looked for:
- Aluminum construction for better cooling
- Dual or high-efficiency cores
- Compatibility with LS swap hose routing
- Space for electric fans
- Strong mounting points
- Good reviews from other Jeep swap owners
Fitment Matters More Than I Expected
In my experience, fitment is the biggest issue. Some radiators are advertised as “LS swap ready,” but they still need extra brackets, hose adapters, or fan adjustments. I learned to verify the exact dimensions and compare them to my Jeep’s available space. If the radiator is too thick or too tall, it can interfere with the fan, hood clearance, or grille support.
Cooling Performance Is the Main Priority
I did not want to buy a radiator based only on looks. For me, cooling performance came first. A good Jeep TJ LS swap radiator should be able to handle:
- Low-speed trail driving
- Highway cruising
- Hot weather conditions
- Long idle times
I found that a quality aluminum radiator with a well-designed core made a big difference in keeping temperatures stable.
Electric Fans and Shroud Compatibility
I also paid close attention to fan setup. My LS swap needed electric fans, and the radiator had to work with a proper shroud or fan mount. A radiator that supports a full shroud usually cools better than one with a loose fan setup. I made sure the radiator allowed enough room for the fan assembly without blocking airflow.
Hose Connections and Plumbing
Another thing I learned was that hose placement can make or break the install. I looked for a radiator with inlet and outlet locations that matched my LS engine plumbing as closely as possible. If the ports are in awkward spots, the install becomes more complicated and can look messy. I preferred a setup that reduced the need for extra adapters and custom hose routing.
Build Quality and Materials
I wanted something durable enough for off-road use. Since my Jeep sees vibration, bumps, and trail abuse, I looked for a radiator with solid welds, reinforced tanks, and reliable construction. Cheap radiators may cool okay at first, but I wanted one that would last.
Things I Recommend Checking Before You Buy
Before I made my final choice, I checked:
- Radiator core thickness
- Overall width and height
- Fan clearance
- Hose port size
- Transmission cooler needs, if applicable
- Mounting style
- Whether the radiator is meant for manual or automatic setups
These details saved me from buying the wrong part.
My Final Advice
If I were buying a Jeep TJ LS swap radiator again, I would focus on fitment, cooling efficiency, and fan compatibility first. A radiator that looks good but doesn’t fit right will only cause frustration. For me, the best choice is one that installs cleanly, cools effectively, and matches the demands of the LS engine.
Conclusion
My experience taught me that choosing the right Jeep TJ LS swap radiator is one of the most important parts of the swap. I would rather spend a little more on the right radiator than deal with overheating problems later. A well-matched radiator makes the whole build smoother and gives me more confidence on the road and trail.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right radiator for a Jeep TJ LS swap is one of the most important steps in keeping the engine running cool and reliable. I’ve found that focusing on fitment, cooling capacity, and quality construction can save a lot of trouble down the road. My takeaway is simple: the better the radiator matches the swap, the smoother the whole build will perform.
Author Profile
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Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.
Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.
She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.
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