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Help getting the right radiator - 2015 RT w/heavy duty cooling

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NHRADeuce

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I've ordered 2 radaitors now and both look exactly the same, but they don't match the one I took out of my Durango. The part number on my radiator is 68232592AB and that's what I used to look up what I needed. I tried Autozone and an Ebay seller I have purchased other parts from before without any issues.

The problem is the AC condenser mounting brackets on the backside of the tanks is different. Has anyone else had problems getting the right radiator for an RT? Is this supposed to work anyway without those brackets??

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#2 ·
I’ve learned if you want parts that fit with little hassle and aren’t broken when you bought them I go to the dealer for most if not all my parts. Do they cost more, yup they sure do, but I’m saving on installation.
 
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#4 ·
Radiator Express and Rockauto are great vendors. Have used them in the past without any issues. RE actually ask for VIN and pulls up the vehicles info to make sure you are getting the right one.

Rockauto usually has different levels of quality… Original, OEM, Economy, etc. sometimes you get what you pay for.

Also knowing what options or model your vehicle is very important. If it has trailer towing package and/or heavy duty cooling that can determine a different type of radiator.
 
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#5 · (Edited)
For parts that last a long time, that are integral to the engine system, and qualify as a critical unit for engine function, I generally only buy OEM (unless they are discontinued and out of stock). In my books, radiators and anything connected directly to the engine falls under that category. I'd spend the extra few bucks and get OEM parts to prevent future re-work and untraceable ghost issues.

For example, I recently replaced my DD's thermostat. There are many "universal" thermostats that "fit" my DD which are sold at AutoZone, O'Reilly's etc. Even though the Mopar site came up with a thermostat that'll "fit my DD and other CJD vehicles" based on year/model/engine, the dealership came up with a different thermostat, specific to my DD's VIN (build). Lo-behold, when I removed the thermostat that was in the vehicle, the part # on it matched the dealer recommendation. I second @JC Hemi and @Citadel Brian on the specific parts based on options that your DD has, to make sure it's the correct part.

Hope you can make it work - it looks like the old brackets of your OEM radiator will fit on the new one. Just a thought ....
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
I'm not sure what the deal is because I even looked up the radiator by vin on the Mopar site. I used the actual part number on my old radiator to cross reference each one I bought. The third radiator looked exactly like the first two.

The problem is that condenser bracket is located slightly wrong and there are no trans cooler bracket isn't there at all.

I'm going to compare to what the dealer has, but so far every radiator is wrong. Weird, I've never had this issue before, especially ordering by part number.
 
#7 ·
Initially I thought it was a superseded model, but if you're missing connection or mounting points, then there is a fitment issue.

What is your vehicle date of production? Most new cars come out in September, so if your August to November production, you could be either or... Might be a build date compatibility issue?

Are you the original owner? Might be an after accident Bodyshop hack job?

Dealership would definitely be able to get you the right part, but at a cost... Have you tried a reputable radiator shop in your area?
 
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#8 ·
NHRADeuce said:
I'm going to compare to what the dealer has, but so far every radiator is wrong. Weird, I've never had this issue before, especially ordering by part number.
Click to expand...
You've probably already done this. Does the exploded view of the radiator and associated parts on the Mopar site + FSM for your DD model match the radiator/bracket components that is on your vehicle?
 
#10 ·
I'll provide some update here as I ran into the same problem. In my case, it was the reverse of the OP: My 2015 RT (with factory heavy duty cooling) had a radiator in it that lacked the trans cooler bracket. I downloaded pictures of one like what I have and another I found online that has the bracket, all of the other brackets/mounts seem similar:
Image

I looked at a lot of specs on these, and they seem to vary a good bit for core thickness. For example, the DNA Motoring one pictured has the bracket, but it shows only 5/8" for core width. Most of the others I've seen have a 1" core width.

According to Rock Auto's catalog, there are 2x Mopar radiators for the V8 Hemi-
68232591AB is the standard duty cooling one, but it shows the trans cooler bracket.
Side view:
Image


68232592AB is the heavy duty cooling one, and it also shows the cooler bracket:
Image


Both of these are listed there as fitting the V6 and the V8. Some aftermarket sellers say their V6 radiator won't work with the V8, even though the dimensions appear identical.

On the aftermarket side, even those that fit with HDC don't always have the bracket. My conclusion is you need to look at the pictures and match up what you have with what is for sale as far as the brackets. Apparently in 2016 the filler neck was moved, so I'd be wary of any 2011-2021 fitment claims.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Update- Radiators (and condensers) decoded
It looks like the 13700 is the one with the tab for the trans cooler. There are some others such as the 13200 (or 13204) that don't have it. Here are some specs I found:
DNA Motoring DPI 13700: 5/8 core width, $95.99 on eBay ("Speed Daddy" same thing & dimensions $102.88 on eBay)
Rock Auto radiators for 2015 Durango 5.7L, range w/ tabs from $103.79 for the CSF 3869 (7/8" core width) to $471.79 for the OEM Mopar one. Along the way there are the Agility 8013700 (1" core width) for $147.79, and the TYC 13700 (unspecified core width) for $174.79.

In my research, based on published specs, the best deal is the Agility 8013700 at Walmart for $146.51 with free shipping. They also have a Global 13700 for slightly less at $137.45. It also shows as a 1" core thickness. A site called carid.com has teaser low prices on these parts such as $114 for the radiator, but then they zing you on shipping, so they cost as much or more than other sites.

Further, DNA Motoring has a website, but no info on their radiator. CSF also has a website, as does TYC and Agility. Of the ones I looked at, Agility's was the best for info. They make a comment on the 8013204 that it won't fit models with the trans cooler mount on the grill side, so that leaves you with the 8013700.

Update- I ended up with this ACS one on Amazon for $121. So far so good, it has the 1" core and the trans cooler bracket. ACS support answered my core question within a day.

Something else I learned was they sell two different AC condensers, one for use with the external trans cooler (0044 for the 13700 radiator) and one without (it has the fittings on it, 3893 for the 13200 radiator).

8013204 - Radiator
Eng. Base: 5.7L V8 345ci
With R134A Refrigerant
Except Models with External TOC Mounts on Grill Side

8013700 - Radiator
Eng. Base: 5.7L V8 345ci
Models That Use R1234YF Refrigerant Only
 
#12 ·
I wish I came to my community first before going through all types of heartache. I went through the same problem as many of you have. I’m not sure about part number but my 2015 limited with the tow package needed to have the heavy duty cooling TYPE 1 radiator. It has the condenser mount on it with the right bracket. It was so frustrating to purchase two different radiators, standard cooling and heavy duty that BOTH were missing the proper bracket. Not sure if I’ll ever go to the dealer for anything short of a diagnostic… these parts generally come from similar places just a different stamp..FYI if anyone out there is willing to shell out some extra money for a complete aluminum radiator set up. It’s out there for around $300 made by alloy works.
 
#13 ·
This name is al said:
Update- Radiators (and condensers) decoded
It looks like the 13700 is the one with the tab for the trans cooler. There are some others such as the 13200 (or 13204) that don't have it. Here are some specs I found:
DNA Motoring DPI 13700: 5/8 core width, $95.99 on eBay ("Speed Daddy" same thing & dimensions $102.88 on eBay)
Rock Auto radiators for 2015 Durango 5.7L, range w/ tabs from $103.79 for the CSF 3869 (7/8" core width) to $471.79 for the OEM Mopar one. Along the way there are the Agility 8013700 (1" core width) for $147.79, and the TYC 13700 (unspecified core width) for $174.79.

In my research, based on published specs, the best deal is the Agility 8013700 at Walmart for $146.51 with free shipping. They also have a Global 13700 for slightly less at $137.45. It also shows as a 1" core thickness. A site called carid.com has teaser low prices on these parts such as $114 for the radiator, but then they zing you on shipping, so the cost as much or more than other sites.

Further, DNA Motoring has a website, but no info on their radiator. CSF also has a website, as does TYC and Agility. Of the ones I looked at, Agility's was the best for info. They make a comment on the 8013204 that it won't fit models with the trans cooler mount on the grill side, so that leaves you with the 8013700.

Something else I learned was they sell two different AC condensers, one for use with the external trans cooler (0044 for the 13700 radiator) and one without (it has the fittings on it, 3893 for the 13200 radiator).

8013204 - Radiator
Eng. Base: 5.7L V8 345ci
With R134A Refrigerant
Except Models with External TOC Mounts on Grill Side

8013700 - Radiator
Eng. Base: 5.7L V8 345ci
Models That Use R1234YF Refrigerant Only
Click to expand...
Quality research was in fact done here lol.. Rockauto is pretty awesome, I forgot about them after their catchy commercials back in the day..
 
#14 ·
bigflockingraven said:
I wish I came to my community first before going through all types of heartache. I went through the same problem as many of you have. I’m not sure about part number but my 2015 limited with the tow package needed to have the heavy duty cooling TYPE 1 radiator. It has the condenser mount on it with the right bracket. It was so frustrating to purchase two different radiators, standard cooling and heavy duty that BOTH were missing the proper bracket. Not sure if I’ll ever go to the dealer for anything short of a diagnostic… these parts generally come from similar places just a different stamp..FYI if anyone out there is willing to shell out some extra money for a complete aluminum radiator set up. It’s out there for around $300 made by alloy works.
Click to expand...
All of the $300 aftermarket aluminum radiators I saw didn't have the trans cooler bracket. This is a truly proprietary setup.
 
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#15 ·
This name is al said:
All of the $300 aftermarket aluminum radiators I saw didn't have the trans cooler bracket. This is a truly proprietary setup.
Click to expand...
I will add that most of them require a professional installation, I’m assuming that will have to be added on there, anybody who can weld or solder wouldn’t have a a tough time adding that on.. the trans cooler just has a large rectangular slot where it latches onto the radiator. Trust me, Dodge didn’t spend too much time in the Think Tank on this one lol. All that being said, they make promises that the aluminum radiator set up would be more efficient for racing applications or heavy duty towing. It also has a higher capacity.
 
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