I have heard that before on these trucks. I couldnt remember what core to use though. Frankly if it comes down to TRYING a 40-50 buck core, vs getting a old one recored for over 300.... its worth a shot, and a few min of mods.
The trick is to bring your old one to match up on the counter. If it's 99% and only requires minimum modification then that's the one.
After working for Mopar, Napa and other parts houses I learned a lot about parts interchangeability from various makes, models and manufacturers.
I tried to educate a kid working at a catalog supplier about Mopar that some of the car parts will work on the trucks.
He was lost like a deer in the headlights.
I knew that long ago by studying the part numbers at Mopar and figuring out usesage can not only be parts from Dodge, Plymouth & Chrysler cars but also trucks, Van's and even some marine stuff.
Mopars were the best at trying to keep part manufacturing simple enough to cover as much as possible.
Same with some GM and some Ford stuff can also be used with little or no modification. And with our vehicles becoming antique and parts aren't being reproduced but GM parts are we can make use of their stuff in some instances.
Like myself. I sometimes use one wire alternators, Quadrajet carbs or anything else that fills the need.
Just like I use parts from early Dodge Chargers, Dodge Darts and Dodge Challengers because those parts do fit and work.
When I need clutch parts I use the clutch adjustment rod for my 70s Dodge truck from a B body. 4.88" long? Here it is.
Need a longer one? 7.5" and cut it.😁
Clutch fork boot is tore up?
They were all the same.
Same with most linkage parts, drivetrain, brakes, electrical and so on.
There is often something that can be used off of something.
Wheels.
Ford used the 4.5 on 5 bolt pattern. Ford-Lincoln-Mercury same depending on years.
GM didn't.
Matter of fact GM is so varied you can't swap Chevy-Buick-Olds-Pontiac rims on each other in most cases.
Ramchargers did use Quadrajet carbs in 80s stock. Also they can be used to replace carbs that are no longer available.
I've seen old Dodge ambulance or cop cars use LeeceNeville big alternators.
I've seen a lot of variations of suppliers come on some certain varieties of vehicles and marine applications.
You just got to do some investigation.
And measuring. And determine what works. You'd be amazed what works.