My son's 98 RAM Heater core is leaking into the passenger floor board...Never done one of these myself, any tips or tricks other than run Forrest, run...lol

check the air conditioning evaporator since your there, prone to leaking as well. carefully will the dash, crack easily unless it's already deteriorating.I usually unbolt the steering column and let it rest on the seat. I don't remove the entire dash assy, I run a ratchet strap over the roof to the passenger side, and hold the dash assy up and away with a strap. remove the A- pillars,glove box,kick panels. electrical connectors and antenna leads on passenger side.bolts across the windshield, 2 bolts on each end,abs cover center of dash. temp cable. pcm and bracket under hood. first time expect 3 hours. Not sure if the aftermarket quality is any better, been a couple years since I tried one, but they never fit right, best to go OEM.

Thanks for the tips...I am so excited to get the opportunity to do this....Not....

Here's an article with some pics:

http://www.higherground4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?4971-98-Dodge-Ram-Heater-Core-Replacement

Good info thanks! Sure hope my upper dash doesn't shatter like that....

Didn't read Johns link but a friend of mine had his out and back in about 30 minutes later. He only had 2 screws to remove. When I asked him why he even bothered putting the passenger half back in he told me it held his dash mat up to hide what was left.



Tim

When my '98 started leaking I chickened out and paid a dealership mechanic to replace it after hours at his home; he said his best time on the clock was 4 hours including A/C system recharge.

I did my 99 and it was 8 hours for me to do it my first time.

That is a great link! I have had a '99 and a '02 Ram and they both had evaporator leaks. Not had a heater core problem yet in my "new-to-me" '98 or in either of the other two trucks, but I was dreading the coming problem because I know it will happen sometime down the road and I am not as flexible as I once was, so I will have to pay someone to do it for me or just peck away at the problem over several days time.

As an aside to my comment about my friend doing his in 30 minutes, he only had to take 2 screws out of the passenger half of the dash. He didn't discharge the a/c, unbolted the case, and worked the case back far enough to get the heater core out.
I did much the same thing on my sons Dakota when I replaced the blower motor. It did take me about 5 hrs. though since his dash was intact.



Tim