So I have an 11 dodge 1500 and the radio is on the link, most of the time the AM/FM part won't make any noise, a scan of the radio stations picks up all the local chanels so I know its not antanae related, got to be something internal so off to the junkyards I go (I hate aftermarket radios) lots of different chrysler products use this same "RES" head unit, can I just grab one that says "RES" and stick it in or am I gonna get some kind of "VIN mismatch" or "security" making lights come on my dash?

What about one of the other stereos from the same vintage with navigation or something, can those be stuck in and work with no mods also?

If you get one with nav you are going to have to take it to the dealership to get it programed. Last I heard that runs about $150.

I'm not familiar with the newer chrysler stuff. When you disconnect your battery, do you have to enter an unlock code after to reactivate the radio? My honda does and without the unlock code that came written down on a paper with the owners manual it would be a useless dud.

No code needed after battery change. This might be helpful before you go radio hunting. https://www.allpar.com/stereo/RES-stereos/