My 1989 Dakota Radiator just started to leak. Is there any place that I can get an all aluminum radiator. The only ones that I found so far have the plastic end caps. I really don't care for these, would prefer all aluminum. Thanks.

 

My guess is you won't find a factory replacement that is all aluminum. But you could check a performance site like summitracing or jegs and look for one of the same dimensions as yours. May have to make custom brackets though.

 

I found an all metal one for my 90 that was after replacing the original with a plastic one it lasted a year. i would hunt around they are out there..Found mine on Maui where I live so can't help you there.

 

Do you remember the manufacturer?

 

I found a metal one here in Utah. That was my first major repair I did. Someone had already replaced the factory radiator with a chinese plastic pos. The truck wanted to overheat on the freeway. Found a metal one, cost around $160 or so for it. Search around at radiator shops, or even talk to a shop and find out where they get their radiators from.

 

If you are going out of you way to find an aluminum core find a 2 core instead of 1. Most stock replacements are going to be 1. I got lucky mine came with a 2 core aluminum radiator. I had to get it welded in one spot once. They guy at the radiator shop said it is HD version.

 

Jegs sells "universal" aluminum "racing" radiators for about $150. Not sure if they actually make one for the Dakota but you could probably ballpark it if you take in the dimensions. Griffin radiator makes a high performance for the Dakota but they are very pricey. There are also used universal ones on ebay for under $100.

 

http://www.radiatorbarn.com has an aluminum/brass listing for an 89, for about $215.

 

got an all alum rad from canadian tire here. cost me $350 but it was worth every cent. went through 2 of those plastic tank pieces of crap. don't know where your from but you can get them. just find out who canadian buys from. oh by the way i bought a 318 rad for a 3.9 for the extra cooling in the summer while hauling a camper. got to cut a little metal out of the front lip on the right of the truck , but the rad bolts right up on an 89.

 

has anyone else found a full alloy radiator??