spectra premium heater core issue ? / anyone recommend a good heater core ?

It's cheap Chinese trash. I'm going through the same thing on my Dakota. If you find a good USA made one let me know. Pro source models on eBay claim to be USA made but I can't confirm.

Best option? Take the oe core to a radiator shop and get it re cored?
I gave you a link in your post to a good used OEM heater core. :cheers: