Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Aluminum Radiator Installation

[That_Diesel_Guy]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and I wanted to write up some information about an aluminum radiator I recently installed on my 1997 Ram 3500 12v Cummins. The reason I'm posting this is that I had a hard time finding reviews on this specific radiator.

I purchased this radiator off of eBay, title listed as "62MM 3 Rows 1994-2002 Dodge Ram 3500 5.9L DIESEL ENGINES Aluminum Radiator".
Initially I was pretty skeptical of purchasing an ebay radiator, but I also had a hard time justifying the largely known aluminum radiator manufacturer that is also located over-seas. This radiator only set me back $255 shipped and has 1 more row than the big known company. The radiator that I had purchased labeled "uncle cooling" part number TT1553 was delivered in short notice via UPS, I was very pleased with the quality and appearance of the radiator. Installation was very simple, I did have to modify the 4 fan shroud mounting bolts as the OEM ones are a little too long for the new aluminum setup. Other than that no other modifications were necessary. This radiator does hold more coolant than the OEM setup so that should help further dissipate heat when towing my camper up steep hills on the highway. I went ahead and installed a Mishimoto 174* thermostat to further assist with heavy hauling. So far the radiator has only been installed for 2 days but I'm very pleased at this time, I'll keep the post updated if I have any issues. I've attached a couple pictures of the radiator installed in the truck as well.

I'll be doing some traveling with my 30' fifth wheel toy hauler camper so I'll get a good idea on how much of an improvement it makes as far as heat dissipation as well.

 

[savage54]

That looks like the same radiator I installed on my 1997 dodge.Here is the thread https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/258635-G-plus-radiator so far I've been happy with the performance, haven't had a chance to haul anything with the new radiator. I'll be interested to see how it does pulling a load. Been stuck at home healing after back surgery.

 

[Bob4x4]

The temps should be fine,I would keep a close eye on the mounting locations.

 

[That_Diesel_Guy]

I should be pulling my camper up some decent grades this weekend, I'll try to do some heavy throttle pulls with it on the hills so that should be a pretty good test for it. I'll update the post when I put it through it's paces!

 

[savage54]

I should be pulling my camper up some decent grades this weekend, I'll try to do some heavy throttle pulls with it on the hills so that should be a pretty good test for it. I'll update the post when I put it through it's paces!

Any report on how well the radiator worked?

 

[DVolk]

What are these radiators running ?
I need one bad I'm in a financial crunch in a nasty divorce , I have new v 10 it don't fit with the intercooler

 

[savage54]

What are these radiators running ?
I need one bad I'm in a financial crunch in a nasty divorce , I have new v 10 it don't fit with the intercooler

These radiators are on E-BAY,the prices go up and down from week to week, https://www.ebay.com/i/141961431919?chn=ps&dispItem=1

 

[BajaBuilder]

so whats the verdict so far on these radiators? i am simply tired of pulling my radiator to change fluid because the plastic petcock doesn't work. any negative issues pointed out would be much appreciated. thanks

 

[savage54]

so whats the verdict so far on these radiators? i am simply tired of pulling my radiator to change fluid because the plastic petcock doesn't work. any negative issues pointed out would be much appreciated. thanks

This is the same radiator I bought and started a thread a while ago, in this thread(G-plus radiator), so far it has preformed great, but I have not pull with it yet, thats why ,when I seen this thread with the same radiator, I was waiting to see how it worked out with a load on it.I got hurt so I have not been able to use my truck pulling a load yet.So I'm waiting to see how it worked for That_Diesel_Guy .

 

[The patriot]

I haven't had any problem with my plastic petcock as far as it working.
Getting to it.....yea, that could have been thought out a little better.
FWIW I see 4 rows now about +$100 more.

 

[NIsaacs]

You don't need the drain, just siphon it out from the top, no fuss no mess.

Nick

 

[The patriot]

Or you could just remove the lower radiator hose from the engine side.

 

[GAmes]

The hose isn't at the very bottom of the radiator so that method leaves a lot of coolant in it.

 

[BajaBuilder]

i knew both methods left alot to be desired............but appreciate the effort. now on my 86 toyota 4x4 u can take bottom hose off and drain all the coolant. but of course it has a stock radiator with a petcock that works as its supposed to do so no need to remove bottom hose gl all

 

[The patriot]

The hose isn't at the very bottom of the radiator so that method leaves a lot of coolant in it.

I use the petcock, but if I used the hose, I'd park it on an angle. I flush multiple times, so I'd get most of it out.
I'm not sure you'd do much better with a siphon. Maybe a little.

 

[SSage]

I just stuck a store brand radiator in from Advanced Auto with their lifetime warranty and surprisingly it has been working fine. I have pulled trailers multiple times in hot weather and it works like normal. I've had it in two years so far and I can't complain about it, the inlet neck is too long and it takes a little work to get it to clear the windshield washer bottle. But, thats it, cheap and it works.

 

[DVolk]

On those who got the Aluminum did it have a bent drivers side mount ear on it ? The one I got did so I sent it back other than that it looked good but I'm told all of there's are messed up so now I'm on the look

 

[surfbeetle]

Given the age of the 12 valve trucks, any change to a new radiator is going to be an improvement over an old clogged one. The main thing is if you can get more rows and coolant capacity then original also all metal is better than one with plastic tanks. Just make sure to inspect the new aluminum one periodically to ensure the mounts are good.

 

[That_Diesel_Guy]

So I've had the radiator installed for an extended period of time now and it's still performing great! I've pulled my camper multiple times in warmer weather and maintained steady coolant temperatures. I would definitely purchase this radiator again for another truck!

 

[savage54]

So I've had the radiator installed for an extended period of time now and it's still performing great! I've pulled my camper multiple times in warmer weather and maintained steady coolant temperatures. I would definitely purchase this radiator again for another truck!

Thats great to hear,I started a thread(G plus radiator) with the same radiator but was not able to test it on a long trip pulling large loads this year do to a back injury. So I 'm gland it preformed well.