Tucked away in the front of the engine bay, the humble radiator is a component you can easily ignore. Of course you will check the coolant level regularly – but what would prompt you to actually replace the original unit when it is still working reliably?
In 2015, my ‘LangCruiser’ ute got a welcome upgrade with the installation of a full Terrain Tamer suspension kit. I was heavily impressed with the quality of the components supplied by the company … so when they asked me to evaluate one of their Heavy Duty Radiators there was no hesitation on my part. Precision is a hallmark of Terrain Tamer components. As expected my new radiator fit perfectly and the installation was very straightforward.
The quality of the new unit was likewise really impressive. Construction is based on a fully-pressed design with no welding, for strength and durability. It boasts aluminium tanks and stainless steel brackets – so corrosion should never be an issue. The radiator features ‘improved fin pitch’ offering greater cooling capacity, and there is even a built-in sensor plug for (optional) fitment of a low-level alarm. It is a fine-looking piece of equipment and it almost seems a shame to hide it away behind a big plastic grille and a massive steel bullbar … but that of course is its destiny. Importantly, it is built for function over form. And it functions magnificently.
Developed over more than 18 months, they are now available for Toyota HiLux KUN26 and 70 Series V8 LandCruiser models. They are claimed to offer 8% improved cooling capacity above the genuine counterparts because they feature a closer pitch and a higher tube count. The fully pressed and fused aluminium tank design and the weld-less construction are attributes that add to the superior durability and strength of the units. Terrain Tamer confidently claims that these radiators will perform brilliantly and reliably in harsh Outback environments. The company also points to their suitability for tough mining applications.
Yeah I didn’t get any power gains but it’s not all about that (or so I tell my mates with more powerful vehicles than mine). Still, I can now enjoy the benefits of radiator overkill during routine driving. Beyond that, the V8 LangCruiser is a masterful towing vehicle capable of hauling big loads over long distances – and the Heavy Duty Radiator will further enhance its towing strengths. It will not fear long hot summers or extended periods of heavy engine work in challenging conditions. It may have taken a few decades, but I have finally discovered how to be cool.
