When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
1st Gen. Ram - All TopicsDiscussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.
You guys have seen the Frankenstein project I'm putting together. 1st Gen 6BT, 2003 Dodge diesel frame and '48 F6 cab. I bought a radiator for a 2003 Dodge and it fits the frame rails fine, problem is the F6 nose is pinched. Width is not really an issue (31" between the frame rails). Height id like to stay under 20" and I still have to fit an intercooler in there. I will be running electric fans. I do not want to remote mount the radiator in the rear. How small can I go and keep the 6BT happy and cool? Thanks there will be another piece going under the grill. But height will be limited by the base of the hood and bottom of the grill.
BTW if I need to move this type of stuff to a different category please let me know.
The Cummins motors run pretty cool and do not need much of a radiator in my experience with the manual versions of them.
I have had a few trucks with a thermostat that was stuck open and it would barely move the needle on the temp gauge in summer unless you left it idling stationary for a while after a long drive.
The early non intercooled radiators are not much bigger than the small block radiators you would find in the '72-'93 Dodge trucks.
The autos dump a lot more heat into the cooling system though.
The Cummins motors run pretty cool and do not need much of a radiator in my experience with the manual versions of them.
I have had a few trucks with a thermostat that was stuck open and it would barely move the needle on the temp gauge in summer unless you left it idling stationary for a while after a long drive.
The early non intercooled radiators are not much bigger than the small block radiators you would find in the '72-'93 Dodge trucks.
The autos dump a lot more heat into the cooling system though.
Thanks Oliver. I am running an Auto Trans but will not be cooling it through the radiator. I bought a remote fan cooler for the trans. I will look into the 72-93 Dodge rads.
I thought you where using that heat exchanger on the side of the block on your build?...That transfers the heat into the radiator from the transmission.
The only time I see people complain about their Cummins trucks getting too hot, they tow heavy with an auto transmission in hot areas.
I thought you where using that heat exchanger on the side of the block on your build?...That transfers the heat into the radiator from the transmission.
The only time I see people complain about their Cummins trucks getting too hot, they tow heavy with an auto transmission in hot areas.
My donor motor did not have the block heat exchanger. I decided to just run a fan cooled Derale unit that I can run under the truck cab. Thanks
That should limit the amount of heat in your cooling system.
I would recommend putting a temp sensor in your transmission system to keep an eye on that as well.
Heres a couple of "how it got to here" pictures if y'all are interested. The Ford truck was literally saved from a field. It was covered up in Mesquite trees. The rear cab corners were beginning to become one with the earth as someone had cut the *** end off the truck. This truck had a Y block in it that I gave to a collector. The 2003 Dodge I bought off craig's list for $500 w a title. The Cummins in it had holes in both sides of the block. I salvaged a few things from this truck. Wish I had grabbed more. It had already been parted out pretty much. I sold what I could and scrapped the rest. The 6 BT I'm using I bought from a buddy that has since tried to buy it back. I started filling my shop with projects before it was complete. Anyways, thanks again for all of the good advice.
The late 70s radiators came in at least 2 configurations. The non-AC one is about 6" narrower than the AC one, but same height. I can go measure if you need dimensions.
I like that you are doing a rescue without decimating nice original trucks!
This one is nick named "Fodge". I liked the idea of modern dodge suspension and the cummins of course, but keeping the old truck look.. Thanks KRB I ordered a 3 row aluminum early bronco radiator for it last night. If it doesn't work in the Fodge I need one for my orange bronco project anyway.
This one is nick named "Fodge". I liked the idea of modern dodge suspension and the cummins of course, but keeping the old truck look.. Thanks KRB I ordered a 3 row aluminum early bronco radiator for it last night. If it doesn't work in the Fodge I need one for my orange bronco project anyway.
Now that is thinking!
I noted the early Bronco in the rear of a picture or two.
12-21-2018, 03:34 PM
Anyways, thanks again for all of the good advice.
