I recently got a 2002 ram 2500 5.9. Previous owner changed the radiator and didn't connect the transmission lines into the rad, only the aux cooler. Should I be concerned, I know the tranny is the weak point and don't mind adding it back in. If I need to add the rad back in the loop how would I flush that since I don't know how long it's been open to the world?

 

Probably wouldn't hurt, seeing as how you actually get winter in South Bend.

Flush it from the top port. Flow normally comes in at the bottom, out at the top, and then off to the aux cooler.

 

This is what I'm looking at right now

 

That's what I have going on so I'm not sure what I'm missing hose/ connection wise

 

Remove the line from the lower radiator fitting. (need the release tool for that..... parts stores have 'em. 3/8ths as I recall.)
Disconnect the upper line from the cooler (the one with the hose clamp) from the line coming from the trans, that one goes to the upper fitting on the radiator.
Run a line from that trans line, to the lower fitting on the radiator. Just some hose rated for trans fluid, and a couple hose clamps will work just fine.

 

That all makes sense. Thank you very much for the help! Hopefully can get it done this week

 

Went to get fittings today to plug into the radiators. No joy and the fitting that is there actually holds the core together (antifreeze everywhere) does anyone know the sizes or tell me where to get a fleece connection with barb ends?

 

Engine coolant coming out when you disconnect a line? Which one did you disconnect??

 

The top brass one in the picture. Apparently that holds the core together. Was a fun thing to find out

 

Did you remove the large nut? Or the flare nipple? If the larger of the two, yeah, I think that holds the trans cooler to the radiator tank, and there is likely a seal in there as well.