2003 v8 cooling upgrades

[steeper]

Hello all, I tried searching the threads, have combed the interwebs and parts stores. I havent found a solution to my cooling

I live in a hot dry climate in the summer and am often volunteeting at events with my 4runner. this requires me to be running, sometime stationary winching, sometimes using my ac to stay alive while stationary. basically worst case scenario for cooling. I have had trouble keeping temps down and have taken to carrying a garden sprayer to wet down my rad, which isnt convenient. Long story short, i need a better rad or another solution for extra cooling. what have others done when faced with this problem?

 

[Inv4drZm]

Install an electric fan maybe?

 

[vonguido]

How old are your current cooling parts? How many miles on the engine?
I would think the factory setup would be fine as long as it’s in good shape...how hot are we talking?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mike07SE]

I would say maybe add an electric pusher fan in front of the condenser to trigger on with the AC compressor.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[Keros]

I recall reading on here about someone having a radiator shop make a giant radiator for them. Substantially thicker and larger internal volume than OEM.

Perhaps a local shop could consult.

 

[ElZilcho]

From your post I can't tell if it's just getting warmer than you're comfortable with or if you'er actually in danger of cooking off. I use an OBDII reader and the Torque app because I only trust the dash needle so much (On the FZJ80's the gauge would be pegged in the middle from 140* to 200* and wouldn't move until you were already in trouble). In either situation, check your cooling system components. Good flow through water pump, no bent fins or blockages in the radiator, thermostat opening properly and fan clutch engaging properly. If everything is in good working order then:

1) install an electric fan in front of your radiator and wire it to a switch in your dash. (Cheapest/easiest)

2) Call a fleet maintence center and see if the can get you an electronic viscous fan clutch like this but not necessarily this exact one:
https://www.amazon.com/APDTY-733112-Electronic-Electro-Viscous-Traiblazer/dp/B00BV6YRYM
This is what emergency vehicles, dump truck, tow trucks use so they can switch on the engine fan while idling. Some of them require being wired into the ecu for temp control, some don't. (Less cheap/less easy)

3) Have a radiator shop fab a new radiator. (Not cheap; and still won't help much unless you're blowing more air over it.)

Good luck!