Forum Discussion

Blanco1's avatar
Blanco1
Explorer
Jun 06, 2018

Aftermarket Radiator UpGrade or factory?

I just remembered a couple years ago while traveling in our '97 12 valve Dodge 5.9 while we still had our Lance TC in its bed, I developed a radiator leak & I just adding some Bars Radiator stop leak & been driving it since, with no issues , but now we stepped it up to a Travel trailer & I plan on a lot more trips taking us around the USA to camp & see the sights & realize, That radiator might just one day finally let loose & it would likely happen in the worst place? :surprise:

So I'm wondering if the factory replacement radiator that has plastic sides & part of it is reliable enough?

The Dash board cover in this Gen is ****!

So where is else did they try to save money?

Is it a safe bet while driving through Death Valley in august or Sept to run a replacement stock style radiator?

( I typically like to upgrade when ever replacing parts )
But do I need to?

& if so, is there a common best upgrade?
Tow Vehicles
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Jun 06, 2018
    I got an after-market for my MH from O'Reilly auto parts. It has a full aluminum body and thicker coils. It reduced the temperature increases that I was experiencing pulling some hills.
    Far less expensive then factory!
  • cmeade's avatar
    cmeade
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2018
    Company called Mishimoto makes replacement all aluminum radiators and I would replace my stock 2010 Ram radiator with one when mine needs work or repairs. Specs are impressive.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Jun 06, 2018
    Man Blanco your projects are developing faster than you can get them finished. Hope your making progress on smoothing out the bumps on that dodge.

    I would flush out that **** Bars leak with multiple distilled water flushes with old radiator on, replace with factory radiator and fill with antifreeze to the amount of 50% cooling system capacity and then top off with distilled water to get a 50:50 ratio.
  • Blanco1's avatar
    Blanco1
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2018
    FishOnOne wrote:
    Man Blanco your projects are developing faster than you can get them finished. Hope your making progress on smoothing out the bumps on that dodge.

    I would flush out that **** Bars leak with multiple distilled water flushes with old radiator on, replace with factory radiator and fill with antifreeze to the amount of 50% cooling system capacity and then top off with distilled water to get a 50:50 ratio.


    Not sure if your trying to be a smart ass or not?

    I've always had many projects & I've sold most of them as of now.
    & planned to focus on the dodge tow rig.

    Currently on my list.

    Radiator
    Rear Spring shackles that are currently sitting in the shipping box in my Dinning room .
    & an exhaust Brake & then most likely Water/Meth injection!

    I have always been a hardcore automotive upgrade guy since I was about 14 years old & before that was Bicycles!

    but next week the rear Sulastic spring shackles get installed & then I figure out what shocks I want & then most likely the radiator & so forth?

    I was just out side working on my Sammy to see if it will work out as a trailer dolly?

  • garyemunson's avatar
    garyemunson
    Explorer II
    Jun 06, 2018
    If you have a Summit Racing in your neck of the woods, check with them. I've found them to have the best prices on radiators.
  • FishOnOne's avatar
    FishOnOne
    Nomad
    Jun 06, 2018
    Blanco1 wrote:
    FishOnOne wrote:
    Man Blanco your projects are developing faster than you can get them finished. Hope your making progress on smoothing out the bumps on that dodge.

    I would flush out that **** Bars leak with multiple distilled water flushes with old radiator on, replace with factory radiator and fill with antifreeze to the amount of 50% cooling system capacity and then top off with distilled water to get a 50:50 ratio.


    Not sure if your trying to be a smart ass or not?

    I've always had many projects & I've sold most of them as of now.
    & planned to focus on the dodge tow rig.

    Currently on my list.

    Radiator
    Rear Spring shackles that are currently sitting in the shipping box in my Dinning room .
    & an exhaust Brake & then most likely Water/Meth injection!

    I have always been a hardcore automotive upgrade guy since I was about 14 years old & before that was Bicycles!

    but next week the rear Sulastic spring shackles get installed & then I figure out what shocks I want & then most likely the radiator & so forth?

    I was just out side working on my Sammy to see if it will work out as a trailer dolly?



    Lighten up Francis... Just a little friendly gesture. :W

    Good luck with the Sulastic spring upgrade and report your results.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Jun 06, 2018
    Was there an optional HD radiator from the factory? If so the aftermarket should also have similar available. Pay attention to core thickness, number of rows and fin spacing. At least get something that beats OEM specs. Lots of lesser quality out there for a good low price as that is what most people want.

    I never had trouble with BARR's Leak.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jun 06, 2018
    Last radiator I put stop leak in lasted......about a couple years!
    Def get a new radiator is my reccomendation.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Jun 06, 2018
    Last radiator I put stop leak in lasted......about a couple years!
    Def get a new radiator is my reccomendation.

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