Aluminum Radiator for Dodge Dakota (1987-1996) 2.2L 2.5L 3.9L AT

Heavy-Duty 3-Row Aluminum Radiator for 1987-1996 Dodge Dakota

What it Does: Replaces failure-prone OEM plastic-tank radiators with an all-welded, high-capacity aluminum core designed to stabilize operating temperatures under severe duty and towing.

The Stock Dakota Thermal Weakness

Original first-generation Dodge Dakota radiators utilize thin single-row cores paired with crimped plastic end tanks. Over continuous thermal cycles, the factory elastomeric tank gaskets degrade, causing fluid weeping at the crimp points. Compounding this, the stock fin density struggles to reject sufficient BTUs when engine loads climb, leading to severe heat soak and elevated automatic transmission fluid temperatures when hauling or idling in ambient summer heat.

The Engineering Solution

Engineered for thermal endurance, this performance unit features a fully brazed 3-row aluminum tube-and-fin core welded directly to robust 5052-grade aluminum end tanks. By eliminating failure-prone crimped seams and plastic tanks, it withstands elevated cooling system pressures without rupture. The maximized core surface area and optimized fin pitch dramatically increase heat transfer efficiency, while an integrated heavy-wall internal brass transmission cooler ensures reliable fluid cooling for automatic drivetrains.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 1987-1996 Dodge Dakota (2.2L I4, Automatic Transmission)
• 1987-1996 Dodge Dakota (2.5L I4, Automatic Transmission)
• 1987-1996 Dodge Dakota (3.9L V6, Automatic Transmission)

The Dodge Truck Standard

Built to handle rigorous work truck demands, this all-aluminum radiator provides the cooling reserve required for sustained payloads, extended highway towing, and severe utility service without the risk of seam failure.