How To: 2006 Dodge RAM 3500 5.9 Cummins radiator- Easy Mode

So, I found a few videos that showed the replacement, but it seemed like there was a lot of work done that wasn't necessary.
In this video, I show you how I did it without having to remove the fan, the upper radiator support or remove the coolers or the a/c condenser coil.
I bought the Spectra Premium CU2711 off of Amazon. It's been on for over four months and I haven't had any issues.

[@langstoy]

I was trying to get the radiator out while leaving the inner cooler in and that wasn’t working. After seeing your video I’m heading back out to pull it. Thank-You for your help. Probably the only one I’ll ever do so your help is appreciated.

[@512kjt]

I hope it helped and you got it done!

[@floydpike]

Saw lots of video's but your's worked the best. 2005 dodge Ram 3/4 diesel. I did move the windshield cleaner bottle, not removal so didn't need to drain it. FYI, that's the OEM air filter box. Thanks for helping out :0)

[@calevel]

Great video! This is my go to video since my time to replace my radiator on same truck after 190k has finally come. Thanks for sharing it!!

[@N8304-e2n]

Just did my 03 5.9. I took the radiator support off because the shroud wouldn’t go back enough where the coolant overfill tank is attached to the shroud. Thanks for the video. Helped a bunch

[@DirectCurrent4u]

Very informative video. I will keep this video in my files for when the time comes to do the Radiator in my 05 Cummins. Thanks for taking the time to share this project...

[@claycampbell3684]

This was a great video. Made the job easier than what I read. I avoid taking off unnecessary parts. My power steering pump need to be replaced as well and your video of the radiator removal inspired me to do the pump while I had the front all apart

[@MichaelLewis-dj2sl]

Good idea, removing and installing the power steering pump bolts is a pain in the arse.

[@gdcatalyst7812]

Thanks for the video! I just wrecked my 5.9 today and put a hole in both the intercooler and radiator. Going to use some of your tricks when I go to repair the truck

[@CharlesinGA]

There is absolutely no need to disturb the A/C condensor or intercooler. You run the risk of damaging the A/C hoses. Take the air filter box out, and then remove both induction tubes from the turbo to intercooler and from intercooler to the intake air horn on the engine. With these pipes out the radiator lifts straight up after hoses and shroud are disconnected.

[@Oregonchicken]

I’m about to do this repair on my 05. Are you sure lol?

[@Oregonchicken]

IDK. I think I’d rather pull the coolers than pull the intake.

[@CharlesinGA]

The intake pipes from the turbo to intercooler and from intercooler to engine intake must be removed. The intercooler is not in the way of anything but the trans cooler and with the right wrenches that should not be an issue either.

[@CharlesinGA]

At 11:00 in the video he realizes the "charge pipes" have to be removed for the radiator to clear when lifting it out. The intercooler is not in the way, its the charge pipes connecting to it that are the obstacle.. If you have an automatic trans the cooler is held to the radiator by two bolts, up high, and sits in two notches in the radiator lower down, take the bolts out and lift the cooler enough to move it forward and let it sit in place. Every video I have seen, they take the A/C condenser and the intercooler out and I'm still scratching my head as to why. I did my '03 radiator without touching them.

[@512kjt]

@@CharlesinGA Make a video and show us how. Save some other folks some time.

[@bullrambler]

Good video and explanations. While taking all the front cooling rads off I found that the transmission fluid cooler was leaking so back for more parts. The rad is back in though...

[@512kjt]

Thanks! Good luck on the cooler!

[@TX-cumminsgriesel]

you're awesome man the video got me thru. had a couple meltdowns tho not gonna lie.. getting the new bottom rad hose clamps on and off got the best of my patience 😤

[@512kjt]

Thanks for watching, man! Happy it helped!

[@TX-cumminsgriesel]

@@512kjt any idea what torque specs the bolts go back to on everything pulled out/replaced??

[@redneckpackrat]

Good video, thanks for posting. Just did my 06 radiator. Only had to take the condenser off to get the ears on the radiator past the lines. Mine, with standard transmission, has no cooler bolted to front of radiator, so all I had to do was pull the intercooler lines and move the condenser just a bit. I left the intercooler right where it started at. Radiator'll slip right past the intercooler's in and out ports. Kinda tricky getting the hydroboost bolts started with the intercooler still in when going back in with radiator, but totally doable. Of course, I just HAD to do it on the first day of summer---well, that's what it felt like! 97 today west of Fredericksburg. Two months ago I'd have had a shade tree but with the ice storm, not so much. Lost 1/3 of my shop shade tree LOL Thanks again, good vid, still getting returns on search 3 years later!

[@alexcollins1973]

Thanks, probably gonna watch this a few times while I do the same thing this weekend

[@salortiz3528]

Best video I’ve seen

[@travistexian]

Great video, practical advice, and I get to do a radiator swap on a 2003 Dodge 3500 this Saturday, with a ranch hand bumper....

[@donaldgroves6030]

Thanks for your time now I think I might be able to do this my self.

[@512kjt]

You're welcome! I hope all goes well!

[@AM-he6je]

Great video! Thanks and great job with the detail you put into this!

[@512kjt]

Thank you!! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment!

[@kennethd9344]

Thanks you have the best video and great job explaining 👍👍

[@512kjt]

Thank you for the kind words!!

[@richardford2908]

Thank you, made my life easier.......

[@512kjt]

I’m glad it did!! Thanks for watching!

[@TermiteBenny]

I just installed a Mishimoto radiator and their hoses on my 2014 Ram 5500. The packaging and quality of their products are excellent. I was impressed with the packaging it had good support for shipment. I agree with you on packaging, it’s important or the radiator will be damaged in transport

[@512kjt]

I would have like to get a MM but it wasn't in the budget LOL. Those are def some nice radiators.

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

This was pretty involved. Nice job. Man it looks pretty warm down there. I have had that jerky before it is good.

[@512kjt]

Thanks, Stan! Yeah, had to get a lot of stuff out of the way to get to that radiator. I've seen a few other vids where guys removed coolers and coils and the tie bar/upper radiator support. I was sure that there was a lazy man's way haha.

[@fabianofarina4718]

Thanks for the video Sr.Its help me a lot.

[@512kjt]

You're welcome, thanks for watchin!

[@larryz24]

Glad to see you using that tshirt as a mechanics rag...LOL Sorry, I am retired from the competition. I figure you must be close to Austin......it IS their Corp. headquarters. Nice job on the radiator replace....lots going on in front that radiator for sure.

[@512kjt]

HAHA I love it Larry! Yeah, I dumped them back in 2014. Gave them two chances and 15 years of my life. Yep! I was born in Austin, raised in Pflugerville. Still here in Central Texas. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment! Hope all is well!

[@kowboy83ra]

Don't touch the drain plug!!!!!!! Use the lower drain hose. 9 times out of 10 the plastic drain plug will strip out and you are screwed, because the plugs are hard to get out, and hard to find. Words of warning. Just had to pay the price for a new radiator.

[@CharlesinGA]

There two types of drain plugs, one screws into a removable insert and is found on '03-'04 models, after that is a plug with a steep pitch spiral and an o-ring. I did a short video on how to remove the threaded insert. Find my channel from my name to see it.

[@j.angelo2528]

Very helpful. Thanks a ton for posting.

[@512kjt]

You bet, thanks a ton for watchin!

[@marlonrh2009]

Thanks my Friend i have learn abaut it

[@jesseteneyck3967]

Very helpful thank you partner

[@512kjt]

You got it, brother. Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@zakkul6242]

Nice video. Was your truck running over 200 degrees under load that you replaced the radiator?

[@512kjt]

Never had any issues with towing or temps. Noticed a small amount of coolant after parking a couple of times. Turned out to be a cracked plastic tank on one of the radiator ends.

[@SquillyMon]

I have to ask... Why did you remove all the items in the front of the rad....and then go round back and pull the rad? Why not just start on fan side and pull the radiator? Am I missing something?

[@512kjt]

Because the oil cooler bolts directly to the front of the radiator and it is behind the a/c condenser coil and the intercooler. You have to remove them to gain access to the oil cooler and unbolt it from the radiator.

[@noneofthisisreal75]

@@512kjt what if it's a manual transmission?

[@CharlesinGA]

​@@noneofthisisreal75just crawl underneath and remove the two bolts holding the hydroboost cooler, let it hang by the hoses. Same for the Trans cooler. Reach in from the side with a gearwrench and remove the two bolts. Don't touch the condenser or intercooler.

[@ferrallderrall6588]

Fforward auto wrench is nice touch

[@512kjt]

Haha thanks!

[@Chief6067]

Look forward to more vids 👍

[@auaiao9]

Nice vehicles in your driveway.

[@512kjt]

Thank ya! Yeah, the only one really decent one is my wife's 2014 C250. Had that for almost two years now and it took over our garage. The VW CC is a whole other story though... :-/ and I'll be changing out the steering gear box on my truck soon. Dammit. Thanks for stopping by!

[@Toxicwastesu]

I’m about to do this tomorrow in my 2005 Cummins I just bought

[@512kjt]

I hope all went well! Thanks for watchin!

[@Toxicwastesu]

All went well, replaced the water pump while I was in there

[@josekp23]

Awesome vid

[@512kjt]

Thank you, and thanks for watchin!

[@JorgeSanchez-rw5tc]

Sorry for asking. What was the reason for replacing the radiator, was it cracked? My truck is overheating (218k miles) I'm doing water pump, thermostat, hoses,etc. Thinking of just removing radiator to get it opened and cleaned out by a radiator shop.(no cracks, no leaks from radiator) Do you suggest just buying a new one? Thanks for the video!

[@jamesvaldez4093]

Did you figure out your over heating issues?

[@JorgeSanchez-rw5tc]

@@jamesvaldez4093 I bought the truck 7 months ago, the previous owner didn't do much maintenance work on it. It's running fine after I replaced the pump, thermostat, hoses, pulled radiator out to get it cleaned out. However, I do have a problem where the temp fluctuates from 190°-210°. I checked the fan clutch, and it seems fine. I need to check the temp sensor, maybe it's not reading correctly.

[@jamesvaldez4093]

@@JorgeSanchez-rw5tc Cool. Did the fluctuations start after you did the work? If so it could be an air pocket causing it. I was just checking cause I had the same symptoms as you and it turned out to be a fan clutch.

[@JorgeSanchez-rw5tc]

@@jamesvaldez4093 yes, started after. How do I bleed it? Engine at operating temperature, pinching the top hose with the rad cap off or on?

[@jamesvaldez4093]

@@JorgeSanchez-rw5tc Yep. Radiator cap off. There's videos on it. I'd open the cap turn it on and put the heater on hottest temp and fan on low. See if that helps.

[@318Huslta]

Excellent video thanks!

[@512kjt]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@michaelsparks6084]

Good Video Brother! Maybe I should try some Jerky too!!

[@512kjt]

Thanks brother, hope it helped!

[@loriesdobes]

thank you i am doing the exact same thing. nice job

[@512kjt]

You're welcome and good luck!!!! Thanks for watchin!

[@ScottDLR]

Thx for the vid. Can you tell me how may gallon of cooant you needed to refill after replacement?

[@512kjt]

If I recall correctly, I think I bought three gallons. I probably could have reused it, because the previous owner was excellent with his maintenance and the coolant looked new. I drained it into a five gallon bucket and the bucket never overflowed, so it definitely isn't more than five gallons. Unless you drain the whole system dry, then it's six gallons.

[@c3h84ever]

Is there some bolts that you can't get to without removing all the other coolers out? I need to do this, I was hoping that I could remove the radiator and shroud without taking everything else. Is the teams cooler under pressure?

[@512kjt]

All of the bolts are accessible. I didn’t have to disconnect the trans cooler or the hydroboost cooler, I just unbolted them and moved them aside. The trans cooler is not under pressure, but you shouldn’t have to disconnect it.

[@c3h84ever]

Thanks, My plan is Radiator, New Fan, water pump, Idler Pulley and belt..upper,lower radiator hoses and T-stat, the condenser and trans cooler look to just be getting in your way, I wonder if its neccessary to flush out the intercooler, I know on ford eco boost trucks the intercooler tends to collect oil from a non adequate PCV valve

[@512kjt]

That's a lot of work. Haven't heard about the intercoolers on the EcoBoosts...

[@haroldlovett4452]

The passenger side of the truck is the right side and the drivers side is the left side of the truck unless your truck came from England.

[@512kjt]

Your comment doesn’t help with anything. Why waste your time?

[@DoubleRRestorations]

Nice how to KT!

[@512kjt]

Thanks Russ! Hope it helps some folks out there. Couldn't believe how cheap the radiator was for that thing. I paid $129 on Amazon, shipped to my door LOL.I thought it would be $300-$400 but I guess aluminum and plastic are cheaper than old school brass. Thanks for stoppin by!

[@brandonjohnson7851]

Where u at hoss I need mine replaced shoot me a price

[@davidsmith8126]

You dont need to remove the condensor and intercooler to do a radiator.

[@johnkauffman1191]

Fuck are you taking the whole front end just for a radiator. Can the radiator come out by taking the fan off the fan shroud and pull the radiator out that way?

[@MrMach1]

My friend Kenn!!! How you doing buddy.

[@512kjt]

My friend, Garyyy!!! Comin back, I reckon :-) Working too much, I know that. LOL Thanks for dropping by!

[@MrMach1]

I know that story lol. Good to see your back.

[@tantricmaster800]

It would have been easier if you would have removed the upper radiator support.

[@512kjt]

Actually, I explain in the video why I didn't want to do that. It wasn't that much more difficult and I wanted to show that it can be done without removing the support. Thanks for the comment.

[@fordfairlane347]

I just put the same radiator in my 06 and now its running hot old one was double core new china piece of shit is a single core so make sure u ordering a duel core if u get it online

[@512kjt]

That’s good advice. Sorry that happened to you bud!

[@512kjt]

I double-checked this one and the part number is Spectra Premium CU2711 and it is a double core. Haven't had any overheating issues and it's been in for over a year. Hope you were able to get yours sorted out.

[@johnkauffman1191]

It looks like shade tree mechanics

[@Chief6067]

Mishimoto radiator instead........ Just sayin Nice truck, I’ve got an 05 2500 5.9 Cummins

[@512kjt]

The Mishimotos are nice! Not in my budget when I did this repair though. Yeah, I love my '06 3500!

[@Chief6067]

I hearya on money that’s for sure😁 Great video anyway, I’m still saving up for a mishimoto......not quite there yet. Your video has made me take a look at a new intercooler as well......Iol this rabbit hole is pretty deep😆🤣🤣🤣 But it’s a great way to get to know my truck better by working on it myself and your video helps me do that. 👍

[@512kjt]

Ha! Good way to describe it... rabbit hole. Since I've done the radiator I've also installed an exhaust gas temp gauge and replaced my power steering gearbox. I've got the videos recorded, just need to edit them and get them uploaded. Be on the look out! Thanks for watchin!

[@ricgriffithsoc8154]

Wish me luck…

[@512kjt]

I hope it went well!!! Thanks for watching!Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@johnkauffman1191]

It looks like shade tree mechanics Why didn’t you just take the fan shroud off? And then take the fan off and pull the damn radiator out. Thank God I’m not one of your subscribers.

[@johnkauffman1191]

Fuck are you taking the whole front end just for a radiator. Can the radiator come out by taking the fan off the fan shroud and pull the radiator out that way?