1st Gen Ranger/BII users, what radiator are you using with your V8 swap & a/c?

[markinms]

1st gen BII/Ranger users. If your V8 swap was with an Explorer 5.0, or a V8 with the Explorer FEAD, and you've got your A/C working, what radiator are you using?

I'm currently using a radiator that was made for a Ranger/BII V8 swap. It works great but mounts way too forward to be able to install the A/C condensor.

I have a new Explorer HD radiator for a 94 Explorer 4.0L that I was planning on using. Problem is the top radiator outlet is so close to the alternator that I can't get the upper radiator hose on it.

What are you using? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Mark

 

[bobbywalter]

The best bet is to open up the core for airflow. And custom mount what you have ...

Or a 17x24 or so summit radiator and an oem condenser.


Operating within the oem confines for 160 hp engines is not really the best way to go.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I've got the HD Explorer radiator, adding the C230 Mercedes condenser fans (with a low profile flex fan)... I am just going to try it and see how it goes.

(installed in @PetroleumJunkie412's truck)



Bodylift really helps the radiator hose clearance.



If my Explorer radiator can't hack it I have heard later Ranger radiators may work and of course 5.0 Explorer.. but again body lift and least fir the Explorer.

Since they want stupid money for a radiator at the JY that is a PITA to pull I snagged a shroud for a couple bucks someone cast aside after brutally yanking the engine, guestimating off that I think I could fit a 5.0 Explorer radiator without it hanging out the bottom of the frame.

There are swap radiators out there that may work (probably won't help with your hose inlet situation) but they occupy the same space as the condenser so will need tweaked to fit. Northern makes one for about $200.

Being carb I don't have a TPS for the WOT relay... I am also thinking about putting that on a temp sensor so if she starts getting hot it kills the A/C at least until after I get it dialed in.

So yeah, if the Explorer radiator doesn't fit I am torn between the V8 Explorer or swap radiator. Opening things up like bobby says is the best way to do it... I am trying to keep mine looking like it is stock though and I don't have a ton of side to side room either with everything else I have crammed in it.

 

[Angie]

hi, this thread had some great info on rad information. (not sure how much it will help with your question for AC though,) cheers

302 rad/cooling pics/ideas

Hi, can you post links to your threads for the placement of your rads on 302 builds? please... will save me searching many threads of how you placed in the rad. thanks. looking for the best ways/combinations of rad and electric fans. cheers

www.therangerstation.com

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I used this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/154477211627?hash=item23f78f2feb:g:oxkAAMXQgJRQ-rSc

 

[markinms]

I'm currently using the Northern V8 swap radiator. Definitely cannot get the condensor behind it.

I've been considering a body lift; however, it "appears" I would have a difficult time trying to get the steering shaft extension installed.

I'm still plugging away exploring all options. I will have a/c at some point in time.

 

[Ranger850]

Is it possible to use the stock radiator in it's stock position and then add another smaller cooler In front of the large one or under the frame somewhere. Like a trans cooler type of setup?

 

[markinms]

Is it possible to use the stock radiator in it's stock position and then add another smaller cooler In front of the large one or under the frame somewhere. Like a trans cooler type of setup?

Thanks for your feedback.

Cooling capacity isn't the issue for me, getting the a/c condensor and radiator in in a way that the upper hose will clear the alternator is what I'm having a problem with. Just not enough clearance.

A body lift was suggested and I'm also considering lowering the radiator approximately two inches. I'm still open to any and all suggestions.

Mark

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I'm currently using the Northern V8 swap radiator. Definitely cannot get the condensor behind it.

Any way to change the mounting and move it towards the engine?

 

[markinms]

I'll do some measurements to see just how far forward I can move it. Space is very limited the closer I get to the alternator.