Radiator in Dakota Swap

[52FargoMan]

For those who have done the Dakota clip/frame swap did you use the old radiator from the Fargo truck? Did it need to be re-cored? Or is it OK to hook up as is?

I'm going to use the V6 in the Dakota as my motor. Just wondering if anyone has experience in this area.

Thanks.

[buds truck]

I would like to know the answer to that one too. I have a recently rebuilt radiator that came with my 53 and I do plan on using it.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I now trucks and cars are apples and oranges..but in the use of the clip in my passenger cars, maintaining the height and profile of the engine in the bay in reagard to original placement of the rear gear keeping the drive line in phase, the fan unit of the V6 was so much lower in regard to radiator mounting that it rendered it useless in the car. The flathead water pump is so much higher in comparison..be careful here and measure your area for posible interferrence to the lower radiator hose outlet..this was the major setback....if you should choose to run the A518 atuo 4 speed..I would still advise a built in radiator coil for cooling in conjunction with an aftermarket..the serpentine blade of the V6 take a goodly amount of lower room on the passenger side..

there are very inexpensive all aluminum radiators out there that will more than meet your needs and are available in different inlet/outlet configurations for the under 200.00 bracket. Summit racing will allow you to pick and choose by physical size and piping locations.

[52FargoMan]

Thanks Tim - it was your posting about cars and a Dakota clip that got me doing this to my truck.

I'm going to use an electric fan, so the engine height is not a concern. I also have a seperate transmission cooler to mount to whatever rad I use, so that is covered.

Can I use the original 1952 Dodge radiator with the new 3.9L engine?