5.3 Swap with Griffin Radiator Questions

[weshamiltonxj]

So, I'm currently working on a 5.3 swap into my 89 grand and I've gotten to the point where I was going to test fit my radiator. It’s the griffin radiator that everyone seems to be using for these swaps but I don't see how this is going to fit. Part number GRI-8-00009-LS from summit. Was there a bracket or something I was suppose to take off the old radiator before I scrapped it? Here are some pictures....

This picture is just to show the gap. i was having trouble holding it up and taking a picture of the gap. The radiator is sitting on the steering box here.


Bottom mounting hole on jeep


Radiator mounting hole


Any help will be appreciated!!!

[Jerry Blair]

I had issues mounting mine as well. My jeep was a 6 cylinder originally and i had to cut and re-weld the core support and open it up for the Griffin.

Sorry this doesn't apply to you. These Jeeps definitely have unique personalities!

[miltos68wgoneer]

I am still working this out myself. If a had a brake and sheer at my disposal it would be easy. I got some rubber bushings and put some angle iron to hold in place until I can do it right.

[KJ Ryu]

Cant help with the shear but ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQlHqdudPvU

[weshamiltonxj]

Thank for the responses. I'm not sure what I'm going to do.


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[csuengr]

What you do is return the aluminum one, take an original or replacement copper/brass radiator to a radiator shop and have them switch the ports to side you need. Cost me $75 when I did it for my CJ.

[vajeepj20]

Did you solve your problem yet? If not, why not just get some flat stock, either steel or aluminum in say 1/8" or 1/4" thick by 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" wide, long enough to reach from the top to the bottom of the radiator mounting holes with a little overlap. Hard bolt both pieces (one on each side) to the radiator support using the factory holes, then for the radiator, drill holes in the flat stock and use some rubber well nuts. Four 1/4" x 20 well nuts would be plenty strong, but you can also get them in 5/16 x 18, or 3/8 x 16. I used (4) 1/4" x 20 well nuts on my radiator when I swapped a SBC in my CJ7 almost twenty years ago and have never had a problem. The rubber provides a vibration buffer, while still holding it tight. You should certainly use fender washers for a more solid mount between the well nuts and the radiator, since it has elongated holes. Steel could be painted black and it would pretty much be unnoticeable. All you're essentially doing is closing up the radiator support opening with the flat stock. Just a suggestion.

Flat stock, a six foot piece cut in two should be enough.
http://www.metalsdepot.com/catalog_cart_view.php?msg=

Well nuts
http://www.hansonrivet.com/rubber-nut-t ... nserts.htm

You can probably get both easily from a store local to you, if I remember correctly I got my well nuts from Home Depot.

[XJChad]

Ive got a friend that welds alum, so I marked mine where I wanted the mounting flanges to be and he cut them off, welded them on the side of the tanks and bolted it in. I redrilled some holes in the core support where needed. Worked out great.