OEM 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Radiator

2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Radiator Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Properly Remove and Install a Radiator on 2003 Dodge Ram 1500?

  A: Before taking out the radiator, cut off the negative battery connection, drain the cooling system and don't remove the drain plugs or loosen the radiator draincock when the system is hot to prevent injury from coolant. Apply dedicated tools to remove or install hoses in constant tension hose clamps and always have safety glasses on. When you must replace constant tension clamps, select the original clamps with the same numbers or letters. After that, unclamp and unhook the hoses from the radiator, remove the hose from the fan shroud and take out the coolant reserve/overflow tank or coolant degas container. Disconnect the steering hoses from the fan shroud, take the electrical wires off at the washer fluid tank and remove it. Take out the fan shroud mounting bolts, lift the shroud upward out of the radiator tank clips and move it so it covers the fan and rests on the engine. Cut the transmission and power steering lines, plug the ends so nothing leaks and then remove the two upper bolts from the radiator mounts. Raise the radiator slowly from the compartment and carry it outside without injuring the fins or tubes. To ensure the radiator works well, use cold water and pressurized air to clean the fins and then inspect the side tanks and core for any cracks, broken fittings, signs of leaking and any bending or corrosion. First, place the shroud over the fan blades, fit the rubber insulators to the lower mounts on the radiator and slowly guide the radiator into place as you insert the alignment dowel into the bracket. Fit the lower radiator support bracket to the lower radiator close tube, tighten the upper radiator bolts to 8.5 Nm (75 in. lbs.), hook up the lower radiator hose and clamp it and connect the power steering hoses to the power steering oil cooler. Bring the transmission oil cooler lines together and install the secondary latches and then fit the fan shroud into the clips on the radiator tanks and attach with bolts that are tightened to 8.5 Nm (75 in. lbs.). Secure the power steering hoses to the clip on the lower fan shroud, connect the windshield washer reservoir tank and the hose and electrical connector and install the coolant reserve/overflow container hose(s) on the radiator filler neck with the right clamps. Additionally, install the coolant reserve/overflow container onto the fan shroud, fasten its bolts to 8.5 Nm (75 in. lbs.), connect the upper radiator hose, clamp it, attach the battery negative cable, add coolant to the system and operate the engine as it heats up normally to see that the cooling system fluid levels are correct.