My 2002 ram has two small insignificant cracks on its dash at with 157k on it. I assume the heater core is going out due to the antifreeze haze on the windshield and that sweet smell of doom. So what is the best course of action for this. The dealership quoted me 950$ and said "we should be able to do it without cracking your dash any worse." It is getting warm enough here in OK to work on the truck in comfort, I have the full factory service manuals, and a second vehicle. Should I replace it myself and if the dash cracks get a new one (cheaper than dealership lots of headache) or just let the dealership do it (950$ and no guarantee they won’t destroy my dash.)

 

I'd get a dash cap if I only had a couple of small cracks. Mine is closer to having huge chunks fall out.

Local mechanic will be less expensive. Mine said he could do R&R in a few hrs. 4 hrs = $300 which is significantly < $950.

 

Order that heater core online and pick up some antifreze and heater hose at your local store. Should be about $80 total and change it out on a weekend. Not much to it and lot of info on here with picks. Save money for other upgrades.

 

Do it yourself and buy a dash too because it will only get worse and you'll be back in there. If you have AC - do the evaporator too while you're in there. Get it all done at once - a few hundred in parts and a whole day labor with a buddy (lots of screws). All the instructions are in the manual you have and there some good threads on here you can follow too. Did mine a few months ago - it was a long day but it was well worth it in the end. Then put something over the dash once done so you don't have to do it again.

 

I agree do it yourself. I put mine off untill got cold. Took me and a buddy most of the day, but it was great to have heat. I didn't have any a/c problems so I left it alone. Follow the threads here and in the TDR magzines.

 

Buy a heater core and dash, do it yourself. Save about $500 in the process...

 

I have not been able to find anyone who sells oem dashes online. Anyone know of a place to get one?

 

www.genos.com

http://www.autobodyfillersusa.com/servlet/Detail?no=115

 

Dash on these trucks is a breeze, can have it out in about an hour easily. Modular design so you don't have to pull the radio and all manner of junk like on a GM. Seems we'd slide the driver seat back as far as it would go then unbolt the steering column and push it down towards the seat. Couple bolts on the right where the door and dash meet, same on the left, couple large connectors for wires and whamo, a buddy helps pull out the dash. Easily done on a Saturday

 

Are those dashes listed on the autobody place paintable I assume? I dunno if I care for that. I'd like one that comes in the color to match my interior.

 

the only thing about the heater core is if you have a/c you are suppose to disconnect the ac lines to get the box out i just cut the heater core lines and spliced the lines with hose the dash is not that bad to do and doing it that way all you have to do is just roll the dash back you wont have to take it out

 

I painted my A pillar pod. It came out fine. Get the paintable dash if you need a dash & don't want a cap. I've seen them cheaper than Genos or Autobody. You'll have to look around. Autobody is the manufacturer.

 

Don't throw away your old dash before you change the VIN tag though, Dodge riveted it to the plastic.....