302 Swap Radiator

[zukirider21]

Alright, so this has been answered for me before (sort of), and its sort of in the tech library. But not in great detail. And I dont wanna take any chances when I have very little money to throw around. So, what is my best bet for a radiator for my 78 302 that going in to my 89 ranger. Its a mild motor. I was thinking of getting an explorer rad since it shouldnt be HUGE, but definitely bigger. Someone said to use a 4.0l rad from a 1st gen ex? Will that be adequate?

If you suggest something else, please make it something that I can easily obtain at a junkyard because I have a friend who works at a big one and he should be able to hook me up with whatever I need at a good price.

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Are you afraid of a cutoff wheel?
I used a 94 mustang Rad with 2 speed fan and shroud.Had to do a lot of cutting to make it work but I only have to use low to keep it cool but I have high as a back up.Your friend at the Jy should be able to hook you up.I scored mine off ebay for a little over a $100 for the complete setup.

 

[zukirider21]

hey thanks for the reply, and dont worry, there's no fear of the cutting wheel here! the core support is already out so modifications will be easy. im guessing you mounted the rad as low and far forward as possible? also, i would like to run a mechanical fan if possible, just for simplicity. but there should be enough room if i use a small spacer, right?

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

Cant help you there.........never tried to run a mech. fan.

 

[Psychopete]

hey thanks for the reply, and dont worry, there's no fear of the cutting wheel here! the core support is already out so modifications will be easy. im guessing you mounted the rad as low and far forward as possible? also, i would like to run a mechanical fan if possible, just for simplicity. but there should be enough room if i use a small spacer, right?

I have already answered this for you in your post in the V8 section.

For a fan, I had an electric but it was 1/2" or so too thick. I went with a flex fan and I think a 2.5" spacer. It sets 1" from the radiator which is was recommended in the instructions. I also used a 4.0L fan shroud, which is a full shroud around the fan.

Once I had the radiator and shroud into place, I measured the biggest fan I could use and then I ordered it.

I am using a 2 row first gen explorer radiator.

Pete

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

There you go..............looks good pete.
What ever you use I think using the matching shroud is major in the whole rad/fan working correctly.