2.3L ('83-'97) Fan blade replacement question

[swift700xx]

Hey guys so I have a 1997 ford ranger 2.3l with a cracking fan blade. Now I was looking and of course can't find one anywhere but noticed that one of the 98 ranger fan blades look identical to the 97 2.3l fan blades with a clutch for ac. The only difference is the way the blades are shipped. Has anyone put a 98 fan blade on there 97 2.3l with a clutch??? Would be super helpful if someone has or if anyone has tried why didn't it work? Thanks in advance.

 

[Bronco648]

... The only difference is the way the blades are shipped....

Did you mean to say "shaped"?

I suppose if the diameter is the same and it will bolt up, I don't see why it wouldn't work. You could also consider going electrical but that's going to require a sensor in the coolant system and wiring a relay. But, it saves you some HP.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The flange on the water pump has been the same all through the years of the 2.3L, worst case is you would have to use the fan clutch from a '98-01 2.5L (latest years of the Lima engine)