I noticed the 2 rubber hoses that go to the cooler need replacing. The hoses are $14/e at the stealership. Can I just bypass the cooler? Is it reallly needed?

 

yes U need it if U want to keep the system cool enough to work right.
Chrysler does not add stuff like that on if not needed it would save them millions of bucks if they did not need it.
BMW,mercedes benz they can afford stuff that is worthless and over engineered.