I have a 98 Durango 5.9 SLT. A couple of nights ago the car was hit while parked and the radiator was damaged. The truck has the aux trans cooler in front of the radiator and it was not damaged. I have been looking online for replacement radiators and I'm unsure exactly what I need. I called a couple local auto part stores and their telling me I need a $300 replacement. Can anybody steer me in the right direction?

 

Are you asking about a price or where to find one? I would check with your local radiator shop or AutoZone. If you are asking how and what is needed to replace the radiator, We can help with that information.

 

RADIATOR

REMOVAL
1.Disconnect battery negative cable
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE CYLINDER BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.

2.Drain cooling system. Refer to Cooling System - Draining and Filling in this group.
3.Remove fan shroud retaining hardware Radiator Removal/Installation - Typical
4.Position fan shroud towards engine. Fan shroud does not have to be removed from vehicle.
5.Disconnect transmission cooler lines at radiator Transmission Oil Cooler Lines at Radiator Use quick connect fitting release tool #6935
WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES. WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER 6094) SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.

CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the tongue of constant tension clamps. If replacement is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp with matching number or letter.

6.Remove upper and lower radiator hose clamps and hoses at radiator.
7.Remove two upper radiator-to-radiator support bolts Radiator Removal/Installation - Typical The radiator has two alignment pins to align lower part of radiator to lower radiator support.
8.Lift radiator up and out of engine compartment. Do not allow cooling fins of radiator to contact any other vehicle component. Radiator fin damage could result.
9.Remove transmission auxiliary cooler Transmission Auxiliary Oil Cooler (if equipped)

INSTALLATION

The radiator has two alignment pins on bottom of the side tanks. These fit into alignment holes in radiator lower support.
1.If radiator is being replaced, transfer any components not included with replacement radiator.
2.Install transmission auxiliary cooler Transmission Auxiliary Oil Cooler (if equipped) and tighten fasteners to 10 N·m (90 in. lbs.)
3.Lower radiator into engine compartment. Position alignment pins into alignment holes in radiator lower support.
4.Install two upper radiator bolts and tighten to 23 N·m (200 in. lbs.)
5.Install transmission cooler lines (if equipped) Push connector together until an audible "click" is heard. Moderately pull connector apart to verify connection.
6.Install both radiator hoses and hose clamps.
7.Install fan shroud to radiator.
8.Connect battery negative cable.
9.Fill cooling system. Refer to Cooling System - Draining and Filling section in this group.
10.Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.
11.Check and adjust transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission and Transfer Case for the correct procedures.

 

Looking online at autozone they show two different radiators. When I removed the old one from the car the aux trans cooler was bolted to the front of the radiator in four places which I removed. I'm unclear which new radiator I need, It appears that the more expensive one comes with the aux cooler as part of the radiator. I'm not sure which one I need. My thought is that can't I just hook the old aux trans cooler to the less expensive radiator or are the internal makeup of these two radiators different?

 

I would check with the dealer with vin number and see which radiator you have and a price.