Replaced Radiator-Hood won't shut

[PitbullRescuer]

I like to think I know a thing or two about these trucks by now. However, I replaced the radiator in my '98 two weeks ago. Haven't been able to close the hood since. The hood latch cable is fine, I replaced the latch but still no go. It feels like it's hitting something. I haven't been driving it so I didn't really go much further into it. Noticed tonight that the underside of the hood is scratched up and it looks like the radiator is sitting higher than the old one.

I replaced it with a TYC 1998.

Any thoughts? Anyone else ever have this issue?

 

[LittleCaesar]

Weird. Do you still have the old one so you could yank out the new one and compare them side by side?

I will say that when I swapped out my stock rad for a Koyo 1998 to avoid coolant in my tranny, I noticed the brackets that came with the Koyo were awful. Is it sitting correctly on the brackets? I also think but never could physically prove that the Koyo is a wee smaller than the stock one.

Pics?

 

[SV_Dude]

There are 3 different radiators for these 4runners. All of them are different heights. Most radiators went into certain runners pretty methodically but some runners got random radiators. If you ended up with a taller radiator then grab some brackets and lower it an inch or two OR find one of the shorter radiators.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

The old ones gone. (stupid me). I noticed that the brackets didn't fit real well either. It's driving me crazy. I did notice that the sides of the mounts sit a tad bit higher than the radiator itself where as the original one sat flush with the mounts.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Also, my upper radiator hose is actually laying on the fan shroud.

 

[SV_Dude]

different radiators for the 3.4 - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

SAS, show me your radiator and front frame protection - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Here's a couple threads on pirate4x4 that covers the different height radiators. FWIW: Toyota used the same rads on the runners and tacos.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Thanks SV_Dude. I didn't know there were differences. I've replaced a few of them, never had an issue til now.

 

[LittleCaesar]

That is news to me. I guess you will be ordering another one then?

If you get a chance to, snap some pics of them side by side and post them.

In hindsight, if I have to buy another one again, I'll spend the extra $100 and get another OEM radiator. I think Brian SD said he got an actual Japanese Koyo and not the Indonesian made one.