I WOULD wish this job on my worst enemy!!! Just, BTW, there was an extra gob of fiberglass or silicon or glue or some such on the upper right side of mine holding it in - had to chisel it off to remove the cowling. Be prepared to nearly tear out the entire dash, gentlemen, and I would HIGHLY consider the purpose of the truck before I did the job - bypassing the core altogether is NOT a bad option in this case if you are in the corrrect climate - I would even consider installing an electric heating system for defrost - yes, it sux that bad!!! Anyway, AFTER I get everything back together, the blower does not work. I haven't had time to check the fuses, and I also suspect the possibility that the blower itself may not have been mechanically installed properly - outside of that, are there any OBVIOUS connections under the dash that need to be checked?? Trust me, the wiring got quite the "workout" during the replacement.......

I'm also fairly sure that I pulled some vaccuum lines, so any input there appreciated - I have a Haynes manual, which, frankly, I do not like - at least not the procedure for replacing the heater core!!

Also, I tried to post some pics a couple of weeks ago to the forum/garage - no luck. Does that require a subscription or is there a size limitation???

I have re-named the truck the "RMS Titanic" - all that have lost a heater core will understand that one!!!!

Thx, Mike....tryin' to keep on smilin'!!!!

 

Sorry about your rough patch. I did mine last year and it really wasn't that hard so it may be the manual you have. I knew about every bolt and vacuum hose before I started. I would suggest you go to the library and read some different manuals on your truck until you find one that would have made the job easier and add it to your tool box. I use four to get complete coverage of my trucks systems. They all have strong points and weak points.

 

The FSM (factory service manual) is the only one to buy...those other aftermarket manuals are not worth the paper they are printed on 99% of the time.

 

With all respect due, you could not have done a 1988 Ram...it's a bear. Entire inner "cowling", which is bolted to the firewall must be removed...not to mention most of the dash.....I'm still having nightmares!!!

 

WOW! I am truly sorry this has traumatized you to the point of nightmares. LOL

I never said I did an 88. I said I did mine, which is an 89 and it wasn't too tough. I have done some that were much harder than mine. Maybe the 88 and 89 are different. The heater box is bolted to the fire wall on mine. The fasteners are readily available from the engine bay. The box is a bit bulky.

My actual point was that a better manual might have made the job easier, and nothing more. I have a thing for knowing what I am facing, to the upmost possible, before I kick in the door on any job.

 

Perhaps our definition of easy is what is at issue here...you must me a Jedi Knight!!!! I re-looked at the Haynes manual and am hoping I disconnected the blower resistor from the firewall accidentally.......I'll let y'all know what I come up with.......

Also, I really wanted to post some pics to the site - is there a size limitation or does that require some type of subscription???

Thanks Mr. SEAL - you ROCK!!!!

 

i upload my pics to my google account and then post the link in the insert image box.

 

I'm replacing my heater core right now too(D100 '73). It's slow going, time constraints. It is a PAIN working all cramped up under the dash. My Hanes manual is much too general and pretty much sucks. I started out by trying to open/separate the "cowling" without unbolting from the firewall due to some old rusted bolts/nuts. Seems that is not going to work. Probably have to hack saw a few of the firewall bolts and replace later. I'm "soaking" them in lubricant for the next few days, spraying them every so often.

My heater core, I believe, was leaking steam into the cab. The fan motor doesn't work either. I'm replacing the motor, but could be other wiring issues as well. The kid I bought it off of ws in the process of restoring it for a car/truck show. I believe he was trying to install a sound system and has jacked up all the wiring under the dash. I just so much love electrical troubleshooting, *face palm*.

 

There's a three pronged female plug underneath and behind the blower controls - mine got pulled loose during the removal of the heater core ductwork and assembly.......blower working again!!! Thanks for the support!!!!!

 

My cowling/vent system in my '88 Ram D100 (the part that contains the heater core and the a/c heat exchanger) had a "top" that was screwed onto it .... absolutely no way to removed the top and pull the core....I do not know what the setup is in the '73. Sure would make a lot more sense to design the cowling in such a way as to make replacement of these components easier. I feel your pain, brother!!!! Good luck!!!!