I have a Dakota with factory tow package, which included heavy duty cooling. That means a radiator with more capacity. I'd look into one for your truck.

 

Don't know about the Dakota's but the rams all had the same radiator from the V6 to the 5.9 They had one row that is 1.25 wide. The heavy duty cooling consisted of a different fan clutch. If there is a radiator with more cooling capacity i haven't seen it yet other than the links i posted.

 

There are some 3 row all aluminum radiators on eBay that look promising for about 250$ with free shipping that I've been considering.

 

That's true. I didn't even think of it. Lol.

I'll have to see what my oil temp is running at. I've considered adding oil cooling before, just never followed through on it. With the manual trans I wonder if I could plumb it into the trans cooler in the radiator?

Come on guinea pig, buy one and let me know how it works so I don't have to waste my money. Lol. You have a link to one? I've looked but haven't found them.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ie=UTF8&psc=1#


Yeah, the radiator I got is single row 1-5/8" and was pretty hard to find. OEM was 2 row but expensive as heck. But yeah, I'm here talking Dakota in a Ram forum. Was just putting the idea out there, in case they exist.

 

According to theory.... The mounting holes for the V-10 radiator are already in the core support. If you look to the outside of the current radiator, do you see any additional holes? Would have to do something about hose size.... but, I don't think that would be overly difficult.

 

In an OEM radiator, a 3 row core is for the V10.

 

I believe the stock 5.2/5.9 radiator has 1¼" inlet (top), 1¾" outlet (bottom).
The 8.0 radiator has 1¾" inlet and 2" outlet.
Places like Summit should have hose adapters.

 

Lower radiator mount, passenger side. 1997 5.9 (360)



Upper radiator mount, drivers side. 1997 5.9 (360)



Lower radiator mount, drivers side. 1997 5.9 (360) Note the oblong hole. Passenger side extra hole is round.

Upper radiator mount, passenger side. 1997 5.9 (360).


As for adapting hoses, that shouldn't be too bad, as stated earlier.
The current radiator has a 1.5" inlet, and 1.75" outlet (stock sizes) so going up .25" on each would be easy I think. Wih how loose these hoses fit new, they might stretch that far.

 

http://m.ebay.com/itm/3-Rows-1994-2001-Dodge-Ram-1500-2500-3500-aluminum-radiator-dpi-1552-/141666884066?nav=SEARCH
Ask and you shall receive. :-)