3L radiator

Dave · 05-20-2009, 02:44 PM

I have a 1992 Ranger with a 3L. It's time for a new radiator. The original radiator is a single core. I've done a little research and found out that a radiator for a '92 with a 4L is two core. I'd like to use the 4L radiator but from what I've read, they are not the same (aside from the core thickness). The inlet water neck is a different size (no problem, I can deal with that) but what else is different? Without having the radiators side by side to compare, I don't know what's involved to swap radiators. I'd really hate to buy a 4L radiator only to find out there's too much to change to get it installed. Any input or tips are greatly appriciated.

Dave

whynotthinkwhynot · 05-20-2009, 02:53 PM

You fan might be too close, and you can't use the 4.0 fan because the threads are right hand pitch not left hand. As far as that, it should fit in the same place. See if someone will measure their radiator thickness to be sure that it won't interfere with the fan.

Roadkill · 05-20-2009, 06:09 PM

Use a 4.0 Explorer rad with an auto trans. It is dual core.

I installed one in my old '94, can't remember the year of the doner Ex though. It fit perfectly. Not a problem at all.

MUDDING B-3000 · 05-22-2009, 09:58 PM

ya i was wondering the same thing for my 94 mazda 3L but what year explorer do i get one from?

Roadkill · 05-23-2009, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MUDDING B-3000

ya i was wondering the same thing for my 94 mazda 3L but what year explorer do i get one from?

Unless you've swapped it out you already have a 2 row explorer rad in that truck.

BTW: I found the summer fia bug cover to go on the grill if you want it.

MUDDING B-3000 · 05-23-2009, 09:48 PM

^^ ya i just bought a new rad for a 94 ex an its the exact that was in my truck.

summer fia bug cover??

Roadkill · 05-24-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MUDDING B-3000

^^ ya i just bought a new rad for a 94 ex an its the exact that was in my truck.

summer fia bug cover??

It is the summer bug screen cover as opposed to the winter insulated cover. Fits on the same snaps as the winter does.

Look at it this way, you have a spare rad now in case one goes bad in either truck.

05-20-2009, 02:44 PM	#1
Dave Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: southern New Jersey Year: 1992 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 3L Class: 2wd Used For: getting from point A to point B Posts: 57 Rep Power: 11 iTrader: (0)	3L radiator I have a 1992 Ranger with a 3L. It's time for a new radiator. The original radiator is a single core. I've done a little research and found out that a radiator for a '92 with a 4L is two core. I'd like to use the 4L radiator but from what I've read, they are not the same (aside from the core thickness). The inlet water neck is a different size (no problem, I can deal with that) but what else is different? Without having the radiators side by side to compare, I don't know what's involved to swap radiators. I'd really hate to buy a 4L radiator only to find out there's too much to change to get it installed. Any input or tips are greatly appriciated. Dave
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05-20-2009, 02:53 PM	#2
whynotthinkwhynot New Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Year: 1997 Make: Ford Model: Aerostar Posts: 16 Rep Power: 0 iTrader: (0)	You fan might be too close, and you can't use the 4.0 fan because the threads are right hand pitch not left hand. As far as that, it should fit in the same place. See if someone will measure their radiator thickness to be sure that it won't interfere with the fan. __________________ Ford Experience- currently own: 97 4.0 and 92 3.0 Aerostar, 05 Focus ZXW Once owned: 87 Ranger 2.9, 94 Aerostar 3.0
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05-20-2009, 06:09 PM	#3
Roadkill Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Year: 2002 Make: Ford Model: F-350 SC Lariat Engine: 7.3l turbo Class: 4x4 Used For: Everything Posts: 537 Rep Power: 13 iTrader: (0)	Use a 4.0 Explorer rad with an auto trans. It is dual core. I installed one in my old '94, can't remember the year of the doner Ex though. It fit perfectly. Not a problem at all. __________________ ------------------------------------------------------ If you have 'it', thank a trucker! "Silencers do not make a sniper silent, they make them invisible." Finnish saying ------------------------------------------------------ OF4WD member ID #3275 2003 Explorer Limited
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05-22-2009, 09:58 PM	#4
MUDDING B-3000 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Year: 1997 , 1992 Make: Ford , Ford Model: F-350 , Ranger Engine: 7.3L , 4L Class: 4x4 Used For: daily driver and weekend warrior! Posts: 694 Rep Power: 12 iTrader: (1)	ya i was wondering the same thing for my 94 mazda 3L but what year explorer do i get one from? __________________ 1997 Ford F 350 xlt 7.3L Powerstroke 1992 Ford Ranger 4x4 Full Width D44 an 9", 5.5 EB coils, custom extended RA's, custom leaf spring pack soon will be swaping in 5L .
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05-23-2009, 09:48 PM	#6
MUDDING B-3000 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Year: 1997 , 1992 Make: Ford , Ford Model: F-350 , Ranger Engine: 7.3L , 4L Class: 4x4 Used For: daily driver and weekend warrior! Posts: 694 Rep Power: 12 iTrader: (1)	^^ ya i just bought a new rad for a 94 ex an its the exact that was in my truck. summer fia bug cover?? __________________ 1997 Ford F 350 xlt 7.3L Powerstroke 1992 Ford Ranger 4x4 Full Width D44 an 9", 5.5 EB coils, custom extended RA's, custom leaf spring pack soon will be swaping in 5L .
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