85 Ranger getting some teeth...

[85_Ranger4x4]

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What years can I pull a "heat only" box from to fit a '93?

Does it bolt on using existing mounting points (bolts)?


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Dunno your answer but I highly recomend it if your air doesn't work and you have no plans to fix it. It is honestly much easier to get to #3 & 4 spark plugs than it was #3 on my 2.8. I wish I had done it years ago.

They are all in plain sight, which is kind of freaky after changing most of the plugs on my 2.8 by feel for 10 years.

 

[gsp]

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What years can I pull a "heat only" box from to fit a '93?

Does it bolt on using existing mounting points (bolts)?


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93-97

yes

 

[Teddyzee]

93-97

yes

The box and firewall changed in 1995. So you want a box from '83-'94. Non-AC preferably.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Non-AC preferably.

Between my '85 AC box and my '83 non AC box, my '85 didn't have one hole on the upper left that the '83 did. I figured since my AC box got along ok without it the new one would too. My '85 also had all studs coming out of the cab and the '83 had one stud going into the cab... that was a royal treat to get out without destroying the plastic. I used a dremel with a cutoff wheel and X'd the heck out of it and broke them off with a hammer and chisel.

My hacked up AC box vs the non AC box

 

[5.0]

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Awesome, and thanks to everyone for the info on the "heat only" box. I've been wanting one but wasn't sure if it would swap very easily or what years to get.


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[85_Ranger4x4]

What is the best way to hold an electric fan in a tight space?

I have a Flex-a-light 119 (I think) that I used the pegs thru the radiator, it has a about a 1/8" to 3/16" of flop up and down and won't go any tighter.

 

[ecablarn]

Did it have the square foam pads to rest on the radiator fins?

 

[rednine4]

yeah foam pads with those special ties they sell at autozone... they just look sorta like tie wraps but they are stronger and fit between the fins of the radiator... it's always nice to support them from other points too so all the stress isnt on them...

Not sure of any other ways... that's what i've always done anyhow

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Did it have the square foam pads to rest on the radiator fins?

No just the things that go thru the radiator, round hard plastic pads (that were not mentioned in the instructions, I put them between the rad and fan so it whole fan isn't rubbing on the radiator) and the push nuts.

Next question, how do it you get it back off so I can add the foam pads?

 

[rednine4]

hmmm they usually come with them... I think i had forgot to put the pads on one time and if I remember correctly the round push fasteners are one-time use. (had to cut them off and buy a new set) Unless there is some other way to relase them from gripping onto the strapping, might end up buying a new set... I just figured better to get the pads in there rather than have to patch or replace the radiator down the road...

 

[Teddyzee]

I used huge zip ties, with large washers on the ends. I must have used two ties at each location.

As I remember, I got got called out on here for being a hack, too.

The font of the rad has a washer, then a second "big end" of a zip tie. Simple and effective.

 

[baddad457]

The fasteners I used had reusable washers, with a pushpin to secure the washer in place on the rod poking thru the radiator . Bought these 10 years ago and when I sold the Ranger three weeks ago, they were still doin the deed.

 

[5.0]

The fasteners I used had reusable washers, with a pushpin to secure the washer in place on the rod poking thru the radiator . Bought these 10 years ago and when I sold the Ranger three weeks ago, they were still doin the deed.

Was that on the same radiator for 10 years? I've read/heard that the plastic pins through the radiator could rub a hole in the radiator where they go through... but never heard of it actually happening though. Just wondering...

 

[baddad457]

Was that on the same radiator for 10 years? I've read/heard that the plastic pins through the radiator could rub a hole in the radiator where they go through... but never heard of it actually happening though. Just wondering...

Yep, same aluminum Griffin radiator. And those fans were removed at least a dozen or more times for various engine swaps and when I initially had problems with leakage from the jury rigged outlet elbow job I did. As long as the fans are snugged tight and the foam pads are present, there shouldn't be any movement to wear holes in the tubes.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I got a mounting kit at the parts store, and cinched it down good with them. I also made brackets that bolt on the sides of the fan and go to the top and bottom of the radiator.

It don't move at all.