eightynine4x4
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2020
- Messages
- 685
- Reaction score
- 179
- Location
- New York
- Vehicle Year
- 1989
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Transmission
- Automatic
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
- Total Lift
- 2.5" Suspension
- Tire Size
- 31 x 10.5 x 15
I may need to replace the radiator. I am 50% certain it's rusted up inside and need to do some more investigating as to if i can salvage it's function enough. Maybe the coolant flow is decent still. The drain plug at bottom barely drips, have tried many times in different conditions and have used a bottle of breakup substance. But maybe all the tubing is in the right spots and flow is still possible. I guess the drain could be rusted shut and that's it. That would be nice! I plan to look for the engine drain plugs too. Haven't found those suckers yet.
But if go the reliable route and get a new radiator, I have come across some obstacles..
Seems lots are designed for either Manual, or for Automatic W/O AC. I have Automatic W/AC.
So I'm planning to scope the details soon in front of the truck but figured I'd ask here as well.. Are they kinda modular? In other words can I buy just a manual radiator and replace the main radiator part of mine?
Maybe the transmission cooling segment of an Auto radiator is it's own separate beast and can be left in tact?
As for the A/C factor, it seems difficult to find a radiator meant for this. My A/C doesn't even have a belt on it and it is ignored. If the physical mounting/sizing of the non-A/C radiator is the same as A/C version, maybe i just ignore this factor. But is it maybe wider/longer? I believe the A/C version could be thicker, or have multiple layers.
It would be nice to line up the proper radiator though, just in case in the future I somehow want to be cool in the summer. Sounds too luxurious.
I also plan to replace the thermostat. And I may just attempt to drain all coolant from engine plug (when i find one or both) and then do a proper flush despite not having a drain plug in radiator. I can suck a lot out with a tube.
But if go the reliable route and get a new radiator, I have come across some obstacles..
Seems lots are designed for either Manual, or for Automatic W/O AC. I have Automatic W/AC.
So I'm planning to scope the details soon in front of the truck but figured I'd ask here as well.. Are they kinda modular? In other words can I buy just a manual radiator and replace the main radiator part of mine?
Maybe the transmission cooling segment of an Auto radiator is it's own separate beast and can be left in tact?
As for the A/C factor, it seems difficult to find a radiator meant for this. My A/C doesn't even have a belt on it and it is ignored. If the physical mounting/sizing of the non-A/C radiator is the same as A/C version, maybe i just ignore this factor. But is it maybe wider/longer? I believe the A/C version could be thicker, or have multiple layers.
It would be nice to line up the proper radiator though, just in case in the future I somehow want to be cool in the summer. Sounds too luxurious.
I also plan to replace the thermostat. And I may just attempt to drain all coolant from engine plug (when i find one or both) and then do a proper flush despite not having a drain plug in radiator. I can suck a lot out with a tube.