intercooler sourcing and selection problem

[steeve]

Last year I bought a used 2008 2500HD. it was a front-end wreck repair but things were still tweaked when I got it. this week I removed the new AC core and found the inter-cooler behind it was really smashed in pretty bad. Couldn't believe it was still working. So I need to replace it. I tried 8 wrecking yards....found some other pieces, but no luck with an inter-cooler. Found two sizes on- line, but neither were a match for my inter-coolers core size, which has a 2-3/8" thick core. I could only find 1-1/4" or 2" replacements on-line. Does the Ram 2500 heavy duty model use a bigger core than normal? Also, prices varied from 200$ to almost 2000$ with most around 250-300$ on-line. That's a big spread. Can I just go with a 250$ unit with a 2" core thickness or will I be loosing power with the thinner core. I prefer using OEM parts, so I am wondering if anybody has one of these take-offs that they replaced with some giant after-market cooler on their race truck. Got a trip to Colorado this month, so I need one ASAP. Call me (714) 244-907six
Thanks.

 

[AH64ID]

There isn’t a 2500 LD in 2008.

IIRC the intercooler got smaller after a year or two to help reduce the regen frequency. Any of them should fit thou.

If you find one for a 07-09 6.7 it should fit, but the 1 1/4” might help reduce regens and is likely plenty of cooling for a stock 6.7.

 

[Wayne M.]

Rock auto has 8 to choose from for a ‘08 6.7 2500.
Just drill in as I did on their site, and you’ll see them.

 

[AH64ID]

I was just on their site. Pick your flavor, they should all fit.

 

[steeve]

Yeah I was on that site a few days ago. The cheaper Chinese ones, but none are the 2-3/8" core that I have. I know they will fit but are more restrictive and will therefor reduce power a bit.
BTW, my truck is definitely a 08 2500 HD (heavy duty)....Has 3500 or 4500 rear springs, It had a big commercial walk-in box on the back with utility side boxes that was removed before I got it. It rides like a buck board, even with 1200 pound load in the bed. Anybody want to trade springs?

 

[AH64ID]

Yeah I was on that site a few days ago. The cheaper Chinese ones, but none are the 2-3/8" core that I have. I know they will fit but are more restrictive and will therefor reduce power a bit.
BTW, my truck is definitely a 08 2500 HD (heavy duty)....Has 3500 or 4500 rear springs, It had a big commercial walk-in box on the back with utility side boxes that was removed before I got it. It rides like a buck board, even with 1200 pound load in the bed. Anybody want to trade springs?

Got a photo of your springs?

There wasn’t a LD vs HD OEM option. All 2500’s are “HD”. For all basic purposes they all have the same spring pack from the factory.

The smaller intercooler likely won’t reduce power, but it should help the EGR/DPF system out... which is why they went to a smaller IC.

 

[steeve]

Ok, I got ya. But these springs are way heavier than other 2500s I've seen. probably retrofitted for the big box it used to carry. I don't have a camera (that I know how to use), but I can give a good description: The leaf pack has 6 leafs; the stack measures 3" wide and 3" thick. the bottom leaf is 3/4" thick and doesn't touch the others except in the middle, where the springs are clamped to the axle. the shortest of the top 5 leafs reach to within 8" of the rear spring eye. the back of the truck sits 4-5 inches higher than the front, empty.

 

[RVTRKN]

Post the VIN here, someone might research the VIN for you. If it had a box on the back, could it be a C&C, look at the door data plate, does it have INCOMPLETE VEHICLE on the data plate? I don't remember if 2500's had a C&C version. I know my 3500 C&C was ordered with heavy duty front coil springs, and the rear leaf springs are different than a regular 3500 DRW.

 

[steeve]

Ok, first I don't know what a C&C is, but the commercial box was installed into the stock long bed...like a big camper. Nasty 1 inch rusty bolt holes through the bed and bent sheetmetal around them.. and tailgate was missing. this was not a flat bed if that's what C&C is.. can't tell you anything else.

 

[steeve]

Well, I stepped up and ordered an intercooler; CSF brand with aluminum tanks "old style 2" core" OEM replacement model. Cost 265$ shipped with tax. Have to push the right hand side of the lower support cross bar back about 3/4" to get the new intercooler to go back and match the upper core support cross member. The PO bent lower one forward too far when fixing the collision damage. I think I will have to put the bent intercooler back on so I can drive it enough to push the lower support against a tree, to straighten it. Can't think of another way, out here on the ranch. I got a week to get this back to running for my Colorado trip. Will have to deal with the re-gen thing when I get back. Wish me luck..

 

[RVTRKN]

Ok, first I don't know what a C&C is, but the commercial box was installed into the stock long bed...like a big camper. Nasty 1 inch rusty bolt holes through the bed and bent sheetmetal around them.. and tailgate was missing. this was not a flat bed if that's what C&C is.. can't tell you anything else.

Its probably a regular 2500, if you look at the door data sticker, it'll give the axle weight ratings and if its a C&C, which I doubt that now, it'll have incomplete vehicle on the data plate. Dodge came back with the C&C pickup in 06, for the 07 model year and is still currently in production. They were the first to get the 6.7 with the DPF with a slightly less restrictive smog system. A C&C is manufactured for the addition of aftermarket beds and has a different frame in rear starting at the back of the cab. The front of the frame has the hydroformed frame converting to a C channel frame behind the cab, and is flat all the way from the cab to rear. It comes only as a cab and frame.

 

[BigPapa]

Ok, first I don't know what a C&C is

C&C = Cab and Chassis

It's basically what it says, a truck with no bed. Typically bought for commercial use or someone who wants a flatbed.