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You washed the Rubicon after the last ride and noticed the radiator fins were still caked with dried mud. A week later, the temperature light came on halfway through a slow crawl. That is a familiar story for Rubicon 500 owners who ride in the muck, and it is why so many of them move the radiator.
Our Honda Rubicon 500 2015-2019 Radiator Relocation Kit is made for those model years. It includes the relocation bracket and all the hardware needed for installation.
What is in the box
The kit keeps things simple:
- Radiator relocation bracket
- All necessary installation hardware
The bracket is the heart of the kit. It gives the radiator a new home up out of the mud, where airflow is cleaner and the fins are far less likely to pack solid.
What the install looks like
Every machine is a little different, but a radiator relocation on a Rubicon generally follows the same pattern. You drain the coolant, remove the plastics that are in the way, and take the radiator off its factory mount. Then you mount the relocation bracket, set the radiator in its new position, and route the coolant lines to reach it. Finally, you refill the coolant, bleed out any air, and run the engine to check for leaks and confirm the fan works as it should. Take your time on the coolant refill. Air trapped in the system is the most common reason a fresh install runs hot.
Most owners with basic hand tools and some mechanical comfort can do this at home in an afternoon. Keep track of every bolt and clip you remove from the plastics so everything goes back together tight and rattle free.
Why it helps
A radiator can only cool the engine if air can pass through it. Down low on a stock Rubicon, mud and debris pack into the fins and block that airflow. Relocating the radiator higher keeps it out of the worst of the mess, which means fewer overheating problems and less time spent with a hose picking clay out of the fins.
Tips and fitment
Plan to do the job on a day with time to spare, and have fresh coolant on hand. Rinse the radiator in its new location after muddy rides. Confirm that your Rubicon 500 falls within the 2015-2019 range before you order. If you are not sure, or want to talk through the install, call the Wild Boar team at 850-912-4350.
