Most diesel-running trucks have some sort of "bra" on the front for when they run in very cold climates in order to reduce the airflow across the radiator. Why don't we have the same? Does the Dodge truck regulate its own flow without the "bra?"

 

I use Winter Fronts to block off the radiator openings when the weather turns colder.

Helps with quicker warm-ups too.

 

I've heard tell that you should not block over the whole front but let enough air through for the aftercooler and the trans cooler for those thusly equipped.

 

I have the winter fronts for mine, and i have noticed great results using them. I find they help when empty even with temps up into the 70's. Even with all of them on there is a nice air gap between the grill and bumper. When towing above 50 deg I usually take 1 or 2 sections off.

 

I figger my truck has a thermostat, why bother spending extra money on a winter front. If I understand correctly, a thermostat causes coolant to continue to cycle through the engine block until its warm enough to activate the thermostat spring to open it up to flow out to the radiator.

I've heard of backward thermostats ... I guess their "open" position causes flow back to the block, and closed flows into the radiator (fails safe ... into the radiator).

I'm sure that winter fronts cause the coolant to not cool off so quickly (i.e. maybe get cab heat quicker), but I think my hiney can just wait 5 minutes or so (of driving) for warm air, and I live in MI. I'm cheap! Besides, I don't like the idea of blocking air flow off the inter-cooler.

- JyRO

 

I have also been known to slip a piece of cardboad with a 10" hole in the center between the radiator and the AC condensor when the temps dip into the 30s.

My carpool commute with Wifey is only 11 miles each way so rapid warm up is NOT an option.(if ya know what I mean :)

 

From my experience, even with the thermostat closed the cummins still passes through the rad a bit. And the cold air(at least up here) will blast right through the engine bay and take any heat ya got. Plus intake air that is too cold, just cools the engine that much more.

Of course I'm talkin in the -20 to -30 range for this stuff. Not a "cool" 60....LOL..

J-eh

 

I don't bother with a winter front .........it warms up fine out on the highway even when it's -40 ....


but I would imagine a winter front would be needed of you were just doing city driving .........

 

Well as long as you have some boost, your intake air will stay somewhat warm... But if you have a cold machine and hit the highway at -40, you'll be stopping sooner or later..

J-eh

 

I live in Texas. Nuff said. ;D

 

[quote author=Shovelhead link=board=8;threadid=19800;start=0#msg186220 date=1063881587]
I use Winter Fronts to block off the radiator openings when the weather turns colder.

Helps with quicker warm-ups too.


[/quote]

where can I get my self a set of those?

 

 

E-Mail this guy.
mailto:ericbu12@etrucker.com

He makes them for all models including the 03s for a reeeeal good price.

Disclaimer: not affiliated with this individual, other than being a satified customer.

 

[quote author=dodgeram link=board=8;threadid=19800;start=0#msg186442 date=1063911360]
I don't bother with a winter front .........it warms up fine out on the highway even when it's -40 ....


but I would imagine a winter front would be needed of you were just doing city driving .........
[/quote]

Dodgeram....I cant believe that you live in Northern Manitoba and dont use a winter front....

 

I used the winter fronts for a month or so. Now they sit in a box in the garage. I didn't like my overhead computer reading 70° when it was really 20° outside... :

Tony