Yes replace that fan clutch or upgrade to a taraus e-fan. As stated, you need to keep that air moving. Also if coolant is coming out the overflow, I would try burping the system to make sure theres no air in it.

 

With all the talk about "burping" the cooling system here's a reminder from the factory manual:

REFILLING 4.7L ENGINE

CAUTION: Failure to follow the procedure outlined below, can result in engine overheating conditions and severe damage to engine.

(1) Tighten the radiator draincock and the cylinder block drain plug(s) (if removed).
(2) Fill system using a 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycole antifreeze and low mineral content water.
(3) Fill coolant reservoir to FULL mark.
(4) Install radiator cap and reservoir cap.
(5) Start engine and run at 3000 RPM for 10 seconds.
(6) Shut engine off.
(7) Remove radiator cap.
(8) Fill radiator to full level.
(9) Install the radiator cap.

 

I have been keeping a eye on it. Like I said before I not driven it to much right now.I have found a couple of alumiunm radiators but you are looking at some $.So I think we are stuck with P/A. Ebay has radiators for under $90.But I am also looking at good reviews and good warrenty. Thought about a flex fan but I don't think with the Dakota setup we can have 1.

 

I'm still in college so I'm trying to do these fixes as cheaply as possible, but I've had some cooling problems with my 04 dakota. I've not kept up with regular maintenance as much as I should because while up at school I don't have access to any tools, however while home during the summer I'm trying to play catch up. Recently it started overheating only while idling though, once up to speed it would cool down. Through some reading I found the mechanical fan clutch which I found to be faulty. I'm also thinking of replacing the water pump at the same time just as an opportunistic fix considering my current water pump has about 50,000 miles on it, is this a good decision or should I keep my current wp on there?

Also after reading this thread I'm starting to wonder about my rad, could some of the cooling issue be coming with that? If its a possibility should I just bite the bullet and buy a new rad or hope for the best?

 

I wouldn't replace a water pump if I didn't have to. Yes, it's preventive maintenance but you really don't know how long a water pump will last. It may go another 5k miles, it may got 50k miles.

Just change the fan clutch for now and save the $$$ for when you do need a water pump.