How do I get to my heater core to replace it on my 1981 ram d150

 

a/c or no a/c. both require pulling the heater box but 1 is way easier than the other.

 

It comes out under the dash. It helps to be a 5 armed ape. I've worked on cars since I was 5. (I didn't really FIX one until I was 10, but we don't talk about that. ) Anyway, I've found Youtube to be helpful. I might be able to do something but I'm not too proud to get a heads up and maybe learn something. I looked for a 1st gen Dodge heater core and found this;



I don't care for his music but it does show how things go together and also some things NOT to do. If the music bothers you, turn the sound down. His is a non-a/c truck. A/C is a lot more trouble.

 

I know I need to replace my heater core but before I do I just wanna check the one that's in it so I know exactly which one I need to order

 

there is only 2 different heater cores. 1 for trucks with a/c and another for non a/c trucks.

 

Aren't there different sized heater cores tho. And is it okay to drive without one?

 

no. only 1 sized heater core for each. i guess it depend on how cool it gets around you. i know we are starting to get into the weather here that you want a working heater.

 

If you live in Florida or Southern California, sure. If you're a little farther north, how tough are you. Live around here or farther north, you'll need it for no other reason than to clear the windshield. There are splices available to bypass the core. On a lot of Mopars, the hoses are two different sizes though. 1/2 ans 5/8. I never understood why that was done but when Chrysler was doing it, it was an engineering company so there must have been a good reason.