Spectra PremiumCU2711 Complete Radiator

I have a 2004.0 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel truck with the 6 speed Nv5600 standard transmission. This radiator is a direct replacement for the original radiator in my truck. For the removal, I "did not" remove the bumper, or unbolt the air conditioner condenser or unbolt and remove the intercooler. If you take a really good look at the old radiator and the things in the way, you can make a game plan and will see the things in the way that need to be removed. Once everything is removed, the old radiator lifts right up and out of the way. Now the installation of the new radiator. I cut the cardboard box that the radiator shipped in into two large protective squares and taped this to the front and back of the new radiator to protect it from being dented or punctured during the installation. This really helped because the fan blades could puncture or dent the new radiator during installation. Now, at this time I did remove the 4 bolts to the air conditioner condenser and move it over about 1-2 inches at the most and the new radiator dropped right in perfectly. I removed the protective cardboard box squares and the radiator was installed without a single scratch or dent. It's all downhill from there. Hook everything back up, replace fluids, etc/etc and you are done with that project! Be sure to order a new radiator cap when doing this project and save on the shipping. I purchased a new thermostat from the cummins dealer as I think they are better than aftermarket. I have been running this new radiator for almost two weeks now and so far it's working perfectly. The parts stores I called wanted $255-$300 plus taxes for their no name brand of radiator which vary in quality from very poor to good. Most radiators are being made in China and every parts store and radiator reseller has a cheap supplier in the pipeline. The Dodge dealer is 2x or 3x the parts store price and I would go with the all aluminum Mishimoto brand before I buy from the dealer. IMO, for the price and quality, you probably won't find a better radiator than the Spectra Premium. The OSC radiators may be comparable and have the same specs, but I did not see any reviews on them.

I own a 2004, Dodge 2500, diesel with std. transmission.I searched over the internet for a radiator to replace my original one that was cracking in one of the nylon tanks. The price and shipping cost(free)were the best I found. When it finally arrived (posted as in stock but took 5 days to actually ship)there was some damage to the fins from shipping. The cardboard is the CHEAP 3rd world stuff that tears very easily and the Styrofoam crumbled when I looked at it. So all of this adds up to very little protection for a radiator being shipped by UPS. Since it took me almost 10 days to get the radiator I did not send it back, I needed my truck. I used a fin comb and straightened them out. I was very surprised the overflow nipple didn't break off since it sticks out, is of small diameter and had nothing really protecting it. OK so I'm done griping about the shipping and packing; I was lucky.I have been using the radiator now for a little over two weeks in 100+ degree temps; no problems what so ever..... I am very happy with it's performance even with the AC on the engine temp stays right where it is supposed to. FYI...do not expect the replacement to go quickly unless you do this for a living; there is a fair amount you need to remove or get out of the way. If you remove the inter cooler tubing you can make the exchange without having to remove the cooling fan. I do recommend two people to lift out and set back in; less potential for damage.

I was very pleased with the radiator, it was an exact match as the stock radiator I had to replace. I would tell anyone attempting the job themselves not to waste their time trying to simply remove the radiator by unbolting the unit itself and a few surrounding parts thinking you may be able to simply lift it straight up and out. Things are never that easy. There is no way, everything must move in front of it. The trans cooler, a/c, windshield wash reservoir, air cleaner..... everything in front of the radiator. I found I did not have to remove the fan shroud completely though. I found it was easier to remove the front bumper as well to access the space. I had a few extra obsticles due to my body and suspension lifts, but over all the job was fairly easy. Warning though, be very careful with your a/c lines and the fins. I was careful, although I found afterwards that I must somehow punctured one of the hoses. There went another $100.The Spectra Premium Radiator was a great product that I am very pleased with. Well packaged, arrived quickly, and Amazon was the best price around. It did not come with a new cap, so be sure to keep your old one.

Didn't find the included hardware until I was done cleaning up my mess after the install was complete (in the dark). Oops! All in all I am satisfied. Has been installed for one week. No leaks and works well. Shipping radiators is tough. Mine had fragile signs and everything and still seemed to have a nice dent on the top of it (superficial, did not ruin anything). Installed on my 05 dodge 2500 5.9 cummins. Perfect fit. Ripped everything out of the front and it slid in and out with ease. From start of the project, to driving the truck again was about 5 hrs of work.

Radiator has been installed for a little over 4 months and is working great! Fit was perfect and radiator came with new hardware. I would give it five stars, but the crude expansion joint on the top and bottom rails kept me from doing it. Overall, dollar value on this radiator is excellent. Spectra should place a sticker on the cut to indicate that it is intentional. There is a document in the box, but I didn't see it until I pulled the radiator out of the box. All I saw when I opened the box was a big gash cut in the rail. See pics.