What Radiator to use?


StephenLewis

StephenLewis

15+ Year Member

Joined
Jul 22, 2009
Messages
50
Points
3,101
City
Goshen, Indiana
Vehicle Year
1992
Transmission
Automatic
I got a 92 ranger 4x4 with a 2.9. The darn thing overheats if I do anything other than normal stop and go. Is there a bigger radiadator out of a RBV that will bolt right in?
 
I usually use something like Rockauto.com to cross reference parts like that. A 3.0 radiator might work for you, and I know my 92 3.0 never gets anywhere near hot, even when it's low on coolant. They provide pictures of the parts and dimensions, and we already know the mounting points are the same.
 
You have other problems then if you are overheating all the time. The stock radiator is more than enough cooling for the 2.9L, that's why ford put it in there. Your problem lies elsewhere.
 
Sasquatch_Ryda said:
You have other problems then if you are overheating all the time. The stock radiator is more than enough cooling for the 2.9L, that's why ford put it in there. Your problem lies elsewhere.
Click to expand...

Unless it's clogged, or just not flowing enough anymore.
 
Yes, which is why he should diagnose the problem instead of just trying to throw parts at it. It could be a clogged rad, bad thermostat, bad clutch fan just to name a few items.

If he does need to change the radiator I would suggest going to a 91-94 4.0L explorer rad from an automatic with air conditioning truck. That will be the biggest stock rad that will swap right in.
 
StephenLewis said:
I got a 92 ranger 4x4 with a 2.9. The darn thing overheats if I do anything other than normal stop and go. Is there a bigger radiadator out of a RBV that will bolt right in?
Click to expand...

Regarding my recently acquired BII, I noticed too much gauge movement in the summer heat to keep me from not worrying about cracking the heads. Fan clutch and thermostat are fine...engine has a bit over 100k miles on it. I will be installing the radiator for the 4.0 Explorer designed for an auto w/air. I believe the 4.0 core is a tad over 2" thick...supposed to drop right in.
 
Yes, you want the 4.0 radiator for the vehicles with automatics, a/c, and the max cooling package. It's around 2" thick, and $116.20 shipped from radiatorbarn.com.

I also agree that there may be another cooling system problem at work here, and it should be checked before putting the money into the radiator.
 
My overheating turned out to be a bad auto trans. Went to stick and problem disappeared. Good advice on finding the cause before installing parts.
 
Well it has a new fan clutch and a new thermastat so the problem is got to be else where unless these parts a faulty.
During normal driving the needle barely moves though it is just when I put it through its paces it gives me fits.
 
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