Can I use this radiator

[Kowboy]

Just got home w/ a new radiator for my 2000 3.0 manual Ranger. Went brain dead and did not check out what was in the box before traveling home. The one I bought has the two automatic transmission lines inlets. I obviously do not need them. The inlets have the rubber plugs in there for protection. My question; can I use this rad on my manual tranny truck and if I do, will I need to plug the transmission fluid line inlets or just leave the rubber plugs in there. Thanks in advance for your advice.

Kenny Britton

 

[PlumCrazy]

Yep. Most stores just sell the auto rad regardless of application.

 

[Kowboy]

Just called the parts store and clerk says It's fine to use the rad. I assume it's their way of reducing inventory. Stock the one radiator that will do both. Going to put this one on. The old Ranger is starting to love new parts lately. Cheaper to keeper!

 

[Kowboy]

Thanks Plumcrazy. I've gotta get use to this way of doing business.

 

[exbass94]

You don't need to plug up the inlets. Only transmission fluid goes in/out of them. If no fluid goes in them in the first place, there's nothing to come out of them.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I plugged mine with steel plugs to keep moisture/dirt/crud from accumulating in them and rotting it out.

 

[Mark_88]

One guy on here used those openings to cool his oil...ran lines from the filter over to the rad and back into the filter...

I think he also used a special adapter that included the 90* drop...

Wasn't that long ago that I remember seeing it because I was thinking of doing the same thing...some day...in a galaxy 500 far, far...away!

 

[PlumCrazy]

^That guy was me....

4.0s has a factory 90* adapter. I used a sandwich plate and ran 1/2" lines to/from the oil cooler. I would like to add a external cooler as well.

 

[PlumCrazy]

 

[Mark_88]

Ah~! Of course...sorry I couldn't remember who it was and thanks for posting the pics...

 

[Bronco638]

Plum, I'm curious what oil temp your motor is running. It should be within 20º F of the water temp. You really don't need an oil cooler unless you're running at high RPM or towing in the mountains or in high heat (and then, a tranny cooler would be best - for an auto, that is).

 

[PlumCrazy]

Do I "need" the oil cooler IDK...was it cheap and easy..yes. I am adding an external cooler as well soon as well as a larger radiator. Truck seems to get awful warm on hot days wheeling. Especially when the trails are greasy and there is a lot of wheel spin.

The new boosted motor I am building will run hot I am sure...so I want to get my N/A motor temps to a reasonable level before I get my new powerplant in there..

 

[Bronco638]

Truck seems to get awful warm on hot days wheeling.

Just curious, like what water and oil temps?

If you go with an external oil cooler, you might be able to go with a stock sized custom radiator but with an extra core.

 

[PlumCrazy]

Water temp sees 220-230* fairly often when I'm beating on it.

No oil temp gauge... Just figured cooling any fluid in the engine would at least help.

Sent from XT907 using Crapatalk

 

[PlumCrazy]

I have the factory 2 core Ranger rad...I am going to squeeze a factory Explorer 2 core in there soon to see if that helps (3-4" wider, and 4-5" taller)