needs to be replaced as its leaking some of the time then stops then starts again. is it as much of a pain as it looks, any tricks to getting it out from under the dashwithout removing practically everything

 

I have never tooken out the heater core on my truck but I did have to get into the area and it looks like you do have to remove almost everything. Good luck.

 

Its not too bad if you are mechanically inclined. I pulled mine (do the evap too!) a few months back without any problems, it was my first one (1st gen Durango). Saved alot of money, only took time. You can find many people on hear who have done it, some say no big deal, others say never again. Just depends on your patience level and how long you have to get it done. I personally would do it again if I had to, don't necessarily want to, but would if I had to.