Been doing some maintenance on a inherited 96 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.9L automatic transmission and has 116K miles on it.
Scotty said drive it a week and look for leaks. Well so far no leaking detected.
Only issue is the radiator looks really nasty and I have flushed it three times. I'm thinking if I flush and more or with one of those flushing chemicals, it might start leaking.
Would a all aluminum two core be really all that better than a stock one in the long.
Not planning to haul or tow anything.
How well does it handle a hot day in traffic? As you have seen, an OEM radiator will last 25 years, more if you are religious about changing coolant. The aftermarket all-aluminum ones are a good idea if you're doing towing or adding power. I'd spend that time and money on other stuff first - replacing everything that's rubber - hoses, belts, bushings. Then do all the brake and trans cooler lines, master cylinder, etc.
Sure, great if you can afford it but not necessary if you get an OEM part.
I was going to deal with the rubber when changing it. I have no idea on the radiator services. I have noticed a lot is low mileage but old. Just found the receipt for the tires.
They where installed in 2006 and the truck had just rolled 97K. I guess in some ways being a stock vehicle has been a cursed blessing. No AC, power windows or locks or cruise control to go out