Hey guys, I have a 99 4X4 5.9 Durango and just took it into the dealership for inspection because it was overheating.

They checked the thermostat and it was fine, and did a radiator flush. They also replaced the cap because they said it wasn't keeping the pressure. It was still overheating so they checked again and found that the radiator was blocked.

They are charging $800k total for replacement and fill.

The radiator is actually an easy replacement for myself so i will 'git-er-done' this holiday weekend coming up.

Here's my question:

I try to upgrade whenever something needs replacing in my cars but this is the first work I will have to do with the Durango which I've only had for a couple of months.

What is the BEST replacement for the radiator? Is OEM the way to go or is there better performance to be had from an aftermarket performance radiator?

Cost is not TOO much an issue because I'll be saving money from the dealer install either way.

 

Go check at your local radiator shop. They should have a better price.

 

A regular radiator will work fine. You don't need that other crap inless you plan on using your truck for pulling. You don't need OEM. If you are planing to use it to pull then I would ether upgrade your core to the next number, or put in a performance one but I would still upgrade if you pull alot. [sm=badbadbad.gif] A shop will have a better price than the dealer.

 

It is always better to have a better efficient radiator to keep the engine cool unless you live out in the extreme cold climate!

 

Well, I attempted to remove it but couldn't figure out how to disconnect one of the transmission lines. One of them had an easy fitting that i just wrenched apart and plugged, but the other didn't have the same fitting and I couldn't find a location to remove it before going into the tranny cooler on the front of the radiator.

Because of the AC I couldn't get to the front of the tranny cooler to remove it from the radiator. I gave up and put the whole thing back together.

Two questions:

1. How can I confirm that it is INDEED an obstructed radiator that is my problem?

2. How do you disconnect that second tranny line?!

 

$20 on a Chilton manual is money well spent.

 

Thanks for the insightfull help Dave, but if you had the manual you'd see that the extent of details regarding removing the radiator is as much as "Disconnect the transmission lines being careful to cap them to avoid spillage". LOL!

That's why this forum was my second step for help.

 

Glad I could be of help. Also have seen factory service manuals on ebay for around $35.