I can smell the sweet odor of anti-freeze each time I turn on the air/heater/defroster. She's not blowing smoke/mist yet but I know that's next. I need to change the heater core on a 2000 Dodge Ram 2500 V-10. I have several questions and looking for any advice. I looked at the Hanyes manual and looks pretty involved. Disconnect almost everything, remove almost everything and A/C needs to be depressurized. When I went to the dealer to price a core they quoted $281.00 and joking asked if I wanted to order a new dash. Napa wanted $81.00. Why is there such a differance in price.

1. Does the A/C evp core need to be replaced also or just the heater core.

2. Upon reading a little in my cheapo haynes manual the dash needs to be really opened up. Can I still drive my truck with the dash torn up until I actually replace the core.

3. Any warnings about letting the refridgerant flying to the air then have it recharged after the heater core is installed.

I would really like to do this myself and save the gajillons of dollars it may cost to have the dealer or shop do the repairs. Any advice will help.