Coolant system upgrades

[JKCRWLR]

I have a 2010 JKRU with 4" lift and 37's
I have geared up to 5.13's but even before then mine has never overheated.
It typically runs around 215 to 230 and the needle is dead center.
I live in the Las Vegas valley so it is hotter than hell here too.
A radiator/coolant upgrade is not necessary. Save that ton of money and buy a few things that will serve you better.

Before you spend a dime, pop the radiator cap (engine cold) and make certain the fluid is to the top. Looking at the over flow won't tell you anything.
Also, do as others have mentioned and make sure the entire radiator, factory trans cooler and A/C condenser are free of debris and that none of the hoses have been pinched.

You should have a warranty I assume. Use it.
If not then....

1. New race thermostat from Motorad. Opens up at 180. Bought mine on Amazon for under $10.

2. New radiator cap. Don't assume that the thermostat and/or radiator cap isn't broken just because they're new.

3. If you drive an automatic, spend a couple hundred on a transmission cooler. Preferably with a fan. I did on mine and the trans temps are 130 to 150
There is a direct correlation between high heat of trans fluid and life of trans.

Stick with the 50/50 mix of distilled water and proper coolant.
Also, if automatic trans, turn off O/D under 65 or 70. You could be lugging the engine which is never good.

 

[JK_Dave]

1. New race thermostat from Motorad. Opens up at 180. Bought mine on Amazon for under $10.

Agree here on the lower temp thermostat. Being in AZ, you can afford to run a lower temp one and it's cheap. You can also probably get away with 75% distilled water in your coolant mix. No chance of it freezing in the next few months.

The 2012+ models all have a transmission cooler from the factory, but as others mentioned, your gearing is putting more stress on the transmission, which could have a knock on effect on the whole system. Probably not enough to worry about since you plan on doing an axle swap soon.

Try my suggestions first since it's a lot less than a new radiator or hood and see if that helps.