Hi, I have a 2003 Ram 2500 Hemi Heavy Duty Laramie with Quad Cab, 8ft. Bed and tow package. I want to replace my radiator because of a slow leak, but the new radiator from dealer is not as wide as the radiator currently in the truck. They took my vin number and said this what came up. I dont want to put a thinner radiator in my truck because I pull a fifth wheel trailer sometimes and also a boat sometimes. Are the new radiators designed different than old ones but still have same cooling power. I dont want to take chances on the smaller radiator unless I'm sure it supposed to handle heavy duty. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

 

If the dealer is replacing it, they should know.

 

possible new part number using a different configuration internally? Just because one radiator is huge doesn't mean it works better, some materials transfer heat better

 

Maybe a previous owner put in a different radiator???

 

What is the VIN number? I'd be happy to see if I can find any notes on the part supercession.

-Steve

 

Actually, just because a radiator is smaller doesn't mean it cools less efficiently. There are many factors in how well a radiator cools. At work, many big block muscle cars use radiators that are physically smaller than their small block engine counterparts.


The materials, whether it has internal as well as external fins, number of rows or cores all have a good bit to do with it. I've used a two core aluminum that's a good 1 1/2" thinner than it's copper, 4 core original and cools WAY more efficiently.

 

In my experience, running a newer aluminum more compact rad is an upgrade, then include a cooler tstat and a better water pump and you'll be running a lot cooler then the original equipment.

 

Thank you all for your help. I stopped at Chrylser dealership with my truck and the new radiator in the box to show them the dfference. The service manager did acknoledge that my original radiator did have a bigger core size. We held up the new factory replacement radiator to the old one, which was still in truck and noted that the new one didnt even have a bolt hole on lower right for attaching the tranny cooler. The other 3 bolt holes were present. He said not to put in the new radiator until he talks to Chrysler. That is where I am presently at....waiting for him to get back to me. Also, my VIN # is 3D3KU28D43G785646

 

Steve. my VIN # is 3D3KU28D43G785646...also, would you know if my 03 ram 2500 radiator is original copper or were they aluminum back in '03?

 

The correct newest part number we show is : 52029835AF

is that what you got? the do show the number superseding 4 times , it appears they where all aluminum. I can't find a good picture of the factory unit. Let us know if there is anything else you need?

Chris