Any Auto Mechanics here? Radiator question?

 My 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with 70K miles has started to leak coolant, 2 weeks after jiffy lube replaced the radiator cap and added new coolant. Took it to a radiator shop that pressure tested it and confirmed several leaks. The guys at the shop told me I have 2 options, they can repair it using radiator grade epoxy for 218.00+tax or replace it with a new one for 345.00+ tax.

My questions:
1. is 70K miles a little early to have this problem? I maintain the truck well.
2. if I have it repaired with the epoxy how long should the repair last?
3. or should I spend the 125.00 more for the new one? I'm a substitute teacher and money is always tight
4. are the prices they quoted me reasonable or BS?
5. do stop leak additives work and how long?

Thanks in advance for the help
Tad
 

1. Too early
2. Not long enough
3. Spend the 125.00
4. Cost seems right but the install labor on the new Rad. could be a lot.
5. Usually not and they wont last as long as you hoped.

I'm no mechanic Tad, but i have a 98 Ram 1500 and replaced my radiator over the summer, and just replaced my water pump last month.  The radiator replacement is easy, if I remember right it was only around $180, took about 2 hours or so.  The water pump...a bit more involved but still got it done.

Don't bother with stop leak or the epoxy, our summer heat will nuke any of that stuff.

Was your quote from Rod's?

-beenfishin

Thanks Bigfoot,
I thought 70K was too early also
The 345.00 is parts and labor.
Tad
 

Thanks Ben,
Not Rod's it was Redding Radiator on Cypress.
maybe I'll get a quote from Rod's, Where they at?

Should I have them replace the thermostat while they are at it?

Thanks again all,
Tad
 

Thanks Bigfoot,
I thought 70K was too early also
The 345.00 is parts and labor.
Tad
 

I have had stop leak last for years, I would still buy the new one and replace it your self. Go online and look up the rip and replace its fairly simple.warranty at 70k?

I would replace it and be done with it. Most places you buy aftermarket will have a lifetime warranty on the part but not labor. If you come down to Oroville or further south, I will help you for no labor. Should be able to knock it out pretty quick. Before you ask, I do have the credentials to do auto work.

Rod's is on Bechelli, just south of Hartnell.  I try to do my own work, but if I were to take it anywhere that's where I would go.  And yes, I'd do the thermostat ($20 part) while I was at it. 

Yeah, always swap the thermostat when you get a new rad. Its easy & saves you from another potential headache.
70k does seem wayyy too early for Radiator failure, but my 84 ford did the same at 80k.

I had to replace the radiator in mt Tacoma at 165,000 not because it failed but because factory anti freeze does not mix with store bought . When it gets real hot it solidifies , if you don't do an extremely good flush, you will have problems. I think this is just with Imports but beware.Thermostat for tacoma 5.85, thermostat for Jeep 4.99, never hurts to replace.

Did you have gasket failure on the plastic side tanks? I hve seen them go brfore that in some cases. I have been working on cars for 40 years. An aftermarket radiator is an OK product these days. 20 years ago they were fucking crap.  I forgot to see if you have a diesel or not. If not its pretty darn easy. If you have a turbo diesel with intercooler its a pain. Most shops charge around 100.00 per hour labor. You are not getting hosed for 350.00. Make sure they hand you the warranty with the job and if it goes south will the labor to replace be free. You can call me if you want. Craig 707-765-9902. Dont put in the stop leak unless you have no money at all to fix right now. If you use it make sure that you warm the cooling system to operating temp before putting it in. good luck Tad.

Thanks all,
 You guys Rock!

I've decided to bite the bullet and go with a new one instead of repairing the old one

Craig, It is not a diesel, but a 5.7 liter hemi, but it has the tow package which has either a trans or power steering cooler
in front of the main radiator so I won't do it myself

I hate working on vehicles more than home improvement projects or I'd try it myself

I guess the new Hobie Revo will just have to wait awhile

Thanks again,
 I knew my NCKA Bro's would put me right
Tad
 

Order one online for about $121..free shipping and do it yourself.
https://www.radiatorbarn.com/
I needed new ball joints for my '04 Explorer and got an estimate of $1800.
I did it last week and it cost me $250 to do myself. Even my Chiltons repair manual said the entire control arm had to be replaced because the upper ball joints are not serviceable. After some detective work on the internet I found that they actually are serviceable. Granted it took me all damned day because I didn't have a clue what I was doing but YouTube had some very helpful 'how to' videos.
I could do upper and lower on both sides in about 2 to 3 hours now where it took me 12 the first time around. I figured 12 hours to keep $1650 in my pocket...hells yea!

That sucks brother i feel your pain. my newish yota just started leaking at the sac gun show about 2 weeks back.70 miles from home. Wasn't a connection. used stop-leak. seemed work fine stand bye for bad news hopefully not. the point of this rant was "the cheap ends up being expensive" from my experiences. Do whats best for the truck,(as im sure you know). so you can dog it to the ncka events