Choosing an electric fan for a 2000 Ranger.

[LonesomeSTX]

I have been wanting to install an electric fan on my 2000 Ranger with a three liter and five speed. I have looked at several options but before I settle on one I wanted to see if there is a common model that is preferred. I would really like to use an OE fan from another Ford but I would want it to drop in. I like the universal fan and shrouds combos Summit has bit I was hoping to spend less than that. Any ideas on this?

 

[doorgunner]

All I did was measure the width/heigth of my radiator/clearance from the radiator to the waterpump pulley......spent a couple hours at the junk yard until I found a late-model vehicle with an electric fan that had similar dimensions...$50

then ordered a 195* on/180* off coolant switch and a relay switch from jegs/summit....the set-up works great on the 350 sbc in my Ranger...$50

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I have done that before. The search is part of the fun. Do you remember which vehicle it came from?

 

[doorgunner]

I have done that before. The search is part of the fun. Do you remember which vehicle it came from?

Yep........an Audi....but my radiator is for a 1936 Ford Truck!

(who-da thought Audi matches '36 Ford!)

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Oh, I thought you meant for a Ranger. That is pretty cool though.

 

[doorgunner]

Oh, I thought you meant for a Ranger. That is pretty cool though.

Yep.........Ranger is what I meant......

 

[LonesomeSTX]

Now that is a first gen.

 

[Earl43P]

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125909

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105613&page=2 Post #19

Then there's this happy classic..http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71749

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47423

Are you detecting a trend yet?

Disclaimer: I have zero experience with an e-fan. Any that you install will require more than just "drop in". There is mounting and wiring to do.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

It would appear that this has been done before.

 

[PanamaExpat]

Yeah and get ready for the haters. Cause haters gonna hate. They will tell you that you will have problems in 90 plus degree weather. I will tell you they know not what they talk about. It is over 90 every day here and MOST vehicles run electric fans. So don't let them try to discourage you. Now when the fan motor dies... and that is not IF but when. Then you will most likely notice it stuck in bumper to bumper traffic with the air con running full blast and all of a sudden a huge blast of steam erupts from under the hood. But you normally have a warning that the fan is dying as they tend to make a hella racket as the bearings dry out. If the brushes wear out then you won't know. But if you are a normal and sane driver you keep an eye on your gauges in city traffic anyways. Unlike my wife... then I get that dreaded phone call.... and you can guess the rest.

 

[4.0B2]

3.8L ford Taurus fan. 2 speed. STRONG fan. Mustang guys use them. Jeep guys love them. There's a reason... They are awesome. Google it and you'll find out why.. I'm gonna use one on my B2.

 

[Elutheros]

Volvo 850 or 940 is a 16" fan that provides plenty of cool air via a hi/lo speed fan. I did the mod on a 4.0 Ranger and even on 105 degree days with A/C running, it handled it. Get the relay when you get the fan--I picked one up yesterday for my 87 BII and it was just $22.00 at the u-pull-it. I'll post my previous mod for you. Takes a couple of hours total to pull the radiator, modify the Volvo fan shroud, and do the wiring.

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112897&highlight=volvo

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I am not worried about the haters. I know better.

I like the Taurus idea. I would really like to keep an OE look. What year Taurus should I look for?

Some one else told me a Volvo fan would be a good idea as well. Those are in short supply around here though.

 

[PanamaExpat]

If you pick up a used fan assembly try to find one that you can open the motor on and lube the bearings. I see lots of them fail and 99% of the time if you could lube the bearings they would run a whole lot longer. Unfortunately most of the ones I see are riveted or staked together.

 

[LonesomeSTX]

I agree witht that. I have drill rivets out just so I could do that.