2 Core Explorer radiator

[bfiakas]

I am going to install a new 2 core radiator in my B2.Has anybody that has done this had any overcooling or computer problems.

 

[4x4junkie]

As long as your thermostat (195°) is operational, you shouldn't have any issues with it (got the 2-core rad in mine).

 

[Little_blue_B2]

I also replaced my original Radiator with a dual core, it was a few years ago but if I remember correctly it was meant for an Explorer. No problems from my '85 Bronco II

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

Every since my first RBV, the first upgrade I do is the Explorer radiator. 88,87,89 B2s, 94,88 Ranger. All of them.

And for your over-cooling question, the thermostat regulates the temp, not the radiator.

 

[Surrey]

If your in Arizona, you shouldn't have a problem.

I have heard about people having problems with them, but only in cold areas. (which would also explain Junkie's lack of issues being in SoCal.)

 

[bfiakas]

As for the fan shroud, can I use mine or should I get one from a 91 or 92 Explorer?

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

I had to trim an inch off of my stock 94 shroud to keep it off the pulleys.

 

[Gilbee01]

You could also install an electric fan and save some HP for the ride.. But some are for it and some are against it . It shouldn't effect the shroud too much.

 

[4x4junkie]

If your in Arizona, you shouldn't have a problem.

I have heard about people having problems with them, but only in cold areas. (which would also explain Junkie's lack of issues being in SoCal.)

Nope.

I've spent time in low teen-temp Oregon winters, as well as up in high Sierra mountain elevations and no issues there either (heater comes on strong after about 5 minutes or so)

Again, the engine temperature is regulated by your thermostat, not the radiator.

 

[bfiakas]

And do I use a lower radiator hose for a Explorer or can I use the B2 lower hose?

 

[4x4junkie]

You'll need the Explorer lower hose (the Ex lower outlet is angled downward).

I've also heard an occasional report certain upper hoses may hit against the alternator pulley after installing the Ex rad (the Ex rad's upper inlet has a slightly different angle also), though on mine I didn't have any issues.

 

[Surrey]

Nope.

I've spent time in low teen-temp Oregon winters, as well as up in high Sierra mountain elevations and no issues there either (heater comes on strong after about 5 minutes or so)

Again, the engine temperature is regulated by your thermostat, not the radiator.

I have heard of people having problems with being able to get it up to temp in the dead of winter. Once the thermostat opens, the radiator contains so much cold water the engine can't warm all of it.(or something like that. I dunno, not my trucks.)

Oregon winters are nothing compared the Northeast, Alaska, or Canada.

 

[UrbanRedneckKid]

I have heard of people having problems with being able to get it up to temp in the dead of winter. Once the thermostat opens, the radiator contains so much cold water the engine can't warm all of it.(or something like that. I dunno, not my trucks.)

Oregon winters are nothing compared the Northeast, Alaska, or Canada.

That's what they make cardboard for. It fits nicely between the condenser and radiator.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

As for the fan shroud, can I use mine or should I get one from a 91 or 92 Explorer?

It may be something that changed between years but I had to.

The top screws were fine, the clips that support the bottom of the shroud go into slots in the bottom of the radiator, one had the slots closer than the other and my stock shroud would not go onto my new aftermarket radiator. I hit up u-pull-it and got a shroud out of a '93 Ex and it fit perfect.

Maybe Ford radiators had both slot patterns in them and the aftermarket only did one, all I know is unless it was just dangling from the top my stock shroud was not going to work with the HD Explorer radiator.

Here is a pic of my hogged out Ex fan shroud to compare with what you have, the flat spots towards the camara are what sits inside the metal clips on the radiator.

 

[4x4junkie]

I have heard of people having problems with being able to get it up to temp in the dead of winter. Once the thermostat opens, the radiator contains so much cold water the engine can't warm all of it.(or something like that. I dunno, not my trucks.)

Oregon winters are nothing compared the Northeast, Alaska, or Canada.

I'm still not convinced... The thermostat is not going to open unless the engine has reached operating temperature, at which point it opens just enough to allow whatever amount of coolant through to keep it at that temp.

What I can see causing an engine to not reach full temperature in extreme cold would be the sheer amount of very cold air blasting against the engine itself. In this case, no doubt, a piece of cardboard stuck over the radiator would reduce the amount of cold air hitting the engine. Size of the radiator wouldn't matter here.

And besides, the OP here is in Arizona... I'm not sure what happens in Alaska, Canada, or the northeast would matter to him anyway.