I tore into it one evening and quickly remembered the previous radiator required some lower rad hose trimming.
The new unit had the lower inlet welded on in the correct orientation and lower hose fit much better.
Then I found out the new 4 core wouldn’t drop right into factory location without some modifications to core support. The old radiator had much more radius in the tank corners (stamped tanks) providing a perfect factory fitment. The 4 core has sharper corners (fabricated tanks) that interfered with the lower core support.
A cut off wheel on the die grinder to the driver side. Has to remove the body mount bolt for enough die grinder clearance. And removed some of the bent/radius metal on the core support that helps divert air to the radiator.
No cutting on the passenger side, just straightening of the bent/radius portion of core support, finally allowing radiator to slide in place.
Hoses hooked up fine. Hooked up ground wire from body to radiator bracket, attached upper mounting brackets. Those were at a slight upward angle compared to the previous 3 core, as if the 4 core was taller. But the brackets were all the same height from one to the other.
After adding coolant and burping the system, test drove and closely inspected for any contact between radiator and core support. No contact! But it’s close, very close in a few areas.
In the end, I would probably suggest the 3 core to save yourself the troubles I encountered. However, if I have another 6 years of service out of this unit, I’ll be happy. Seems crazy to only expect 6 years of service from a radiator, but as rough as this truck rides, and the abuse it sees, I’ll take it.
I did contact the eBay seller about their “lifetime” guarantee. He said, “ 5 year warranty, you no problem with unit, no worry please. Very tank you.”
I did find the seller where I bought the 3 core radiator, contacted them about a replacement, no response. Surprise surprise.
With a round bale, it rides smooth.
Now the heater core sprung a leak. Damn. It too was replaced 6 years ago when I installed the 3 core aluminum radiator. Why do 1st - 3ed gen dodge trucks have heater core issues?
