Hi,

I'm switching out my radiator in my 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT V8 5.9 and apparently I need to know if my truck is early model or late model when buying my new radiator.

My build date from the door sticker is 11/01.

Based on that, does anyone know if my model is early or late?

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and for any help.

 

I would guess early.
The big difference is in the transmission coolers. There were two transcoolers, one going through the radiator, then through another cooler.

 

501ram,

It's hard to confirm this without all of the vehicle's information. If you'd like me to look into this for you please PM me your VIN# and I'd be happy to help.

 

The parts place should give you dates IE 01/01 to 4/02 early after that is late model year. This is just an example not real dates. However I would say yours is early 02 model base on the date.

 

The early and late in regards to 3rd gen is generally '02-05 and '06-08. However, since you have the 5.9L, you use the same radiator as the 2nd gen RAMs with the 5.9L.

 

Thanks for all the input. Really appreciate it.

Since Autozone's computer had two radiators for my truck, one referenced as early model and one references as late model, what I ended up doing was pulling the radiator and just took it down there with me so we could compare against the pics on their computer to match it up. Turns out I needed the late model. I would have guessed early given the manufacturer date but that was not the case. They also happened to have both in stock so it made it nice to compare that way as well. I just installed it (pretty easy) and now just waiting on a new lower radiator hose to come in so I can start it up and see if my leak is gone. Figured I'd do the lower hose while I was at it since it will only take a few extra minutes.

Thanks again for input everyone.

 

So what were the physical differences? Was ther one obvious difference between late and early? I have the same problem, but parts stores near here dont have them in stock.

 

its a little late reply but maybe someone else that has the same question in the future will see this. I just purchased the early model radiator for my 2002 ram 1500. its a foot too wide and most of the fittings/bolts do not even line up. I have to take it back tomorrow to get the late model one.

 

I'd be wondering if you got a radiator for a 2nd gen. A foot too wide actually sounds about right for that.

 

Old thread, I know, but, did you ever find the answer to this? I have the same issue. 2002 5.9 SLT with 235k miles on the original radiator and it finally cracked the plastic side tank. (I suspect the deer I hit a while back may have had something to do with it. LoL!) The radiator itself is still spotless inside though. (Damn deer)

I'm about ready to order (probably through RockAuto) and need to know. I suspect "late" but am not sure. Thanks all!

Pic for attention only.