94' 3.0 Ranger Cooling Fan Replacement

[94' Ranger]

So my fan clutch went out the other day (it started spinning my fan at belt speed at all times), I went to replace the clutch when I noticed hairline fractures in between every fan blade. I've seen this before on old fans before but these were obviously fresh fractures from the recent stress of spinning so fast based on the color of the exposed plastic cracks. I went looking around for a replacement fan at the local part stores and online but I could only find "Flex-a-lite" metal fans like THIS ONE.
Does anyone have experience with these fans? I'd prefer not to use an aftermarket metal fan BUT if they work just as well and are as reliable as my stock fan that lasted 29 years and 207,000 miles, I guess that is probably my best option.

Since I read on these forums that they do not make the original stock fans anymore, I am planning on heading to the Pick-a-Part to look for a replacement fan that isn't in too bad of shape. I went to the yard yesterday but was unable to find a suitable replacement in their ranger selection before I ran out of time. I was curious if anyone knows if there are other make/models that use the same fan, or at least one that I could make fit? Or am I stuck with Rangers and maybe Aerostars? Lastly, if anyone knows what years of
Rangers used the same fan as I do, that would be greatly appreciated.


Cheers guys

 

[franklin2]

I would not use one of the metal flex fans. I have had one come apart on me and have heard similar stories from other people, one instance it ruined the radiator. Mine just flew apart and stuck in the hood insulation.

 

[ericbphoto]

I can't imagine finding a decent fan blade at the junk yard. They're all going to be old, brittle and cracked like yours. I converted mine to electric.

 

[Lefty]

I will be pulling my old plastic fan in a few weeks when the weather warms. I'm converting to the electric fan. You can have it if you are willing to wait.

 

[mtnrgr]

New fans are available on ebay, "1994 Ford ranger 3.0 fan blade" in the search box and you see them. Prices are really reasonable. Stay with 92-94 ranger 3.0, 95+ 3.0 fans have more blades. I recently changed my fan blade and clutch on my ranger which is also a 94 3.0 ranger. I bought a fan from my friend's jy who has this ranger sitting forever. The fan is in perfect condition and found a nos Ford fan clutch on ebay.

Stay away from the flex lite fans, garbage. My choice I don't like electric fans. My ranger has 621,000 miles.. bought him new in 94. I prefer the stock fan blade and clutch setup.