• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

Clarifications on Explorer Radiator Swap


kdenmcfish

Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2025
Messages
7
City
Denver, CO
State - Country
CO - USA
Vehicle Year
1992
Vehicle
Ford Ranger
Drive
4WD
Engine
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
Hey All,

First and foremost, I have read what I believe to be every thread on this website pertaining to this swap; however, there are a couple of clarifications which I have not seen addressed, and many of the threads are 10-15 years old.

I have a 1992 2.9L Ranger M/T, this weekend I stumbled upon a 1993 4.0 Explorer A/T w A/C at the part yard with a seemingly immaculate radiator (2.25" core). I picked it up along with the shroud, which I intend to install.

My understanding from the other threads is I will need a 4.0 Explorer A/T lower radiator hose, a 2.9L V6 Ranger upper radiator hose. But what about the cooling fan and fan clutch?

If I swap in the new shroud, does it make sense to buy a new Explorer cooling fan blade? I am unable to find anything for the Ranger on RockAuto, but I can get a new Dorman fan blade intended for the Explorer. Unsure if these are interchangeable or not.

Assuming I do swap the fan blade, would I also need to swap the fan clutch to the Explorer unit too? I feel I could argue either way, hoping somebody has some experience with this and can enlighten me.

Thanks in advance.
 
You will for sure need the lower hose because of how the lower outlet is angled downwards. IIRC the upper one is not so much of an issue.

Just use the fan you have. I don't think the 4.0 fan will bolt onto the 2.9 fan clutch, and I KNOW the 4.0 fan clutch won't screw onto the 2.9 water pump (opposite threads.)
 
I just did the swap and have pictures of everything (was thinking of putting it together since there are 4 or 5 variants I have seen - the auto no AC, and manual AC). I posted the exact lower hose I used on the thread where I explained for someone else. (advanced search on me and radiator should get it) I used the 2.9L (mine is a 1990) upper hose, the 4.0L lower, 4.0 shroud, and left everything else untouched (stock fan, fan clutch, etc) the 2.9 upper goes straight back, and the 4.0 Auto /AC has a cant off towards the passenger fender that is insignificant in terms of hose issues.
 
MasterPro p/n 21623 (oreilly)




Grab one or two extra old school screw type hose clamps if you want to make your life easier than fighting those OEM style.
 
Last edited:
The 4.0 fan assembly has different threads because it rotates the opposite direction. IF you could get the 4.0 blades to mount to a 2.9 clutch it wouldn't work.
I'm using my 2.9 shroud with the 4.0.
 
Thanks for all the feedback, I think I know how I am going to go forward with this install at this point. Quick parts list for anyone who may be researching this in the future, will follow up with notes from install.

Proceeding with:

Radiator: 2 Row, 2.25" Thick (from 1993 Explorer 4.0L V6 A/T w/ A/C)

Shroud: I will be proceeding with the shroud which I picked up with the 2 Row radiator. This should maximize airflow efficiency and will be a direct fit to the radiator.

Fan/Clutch: Keeping my current 1992 Ranger 2.9L V6 setup per thread above.

Lower Hose: GATES 21623 (1993 Explorer 4.0L V6 A/T)

Upper Hose: GATES 21613 (1992 Ranger 2.9L V6)

Will be installing a new OEM temp thermostat, thermostat seal, water outlet and water outlet gasket to go with my new coolant temp sensor and sender. Next step may be an aftermarket coolant temp gauge.
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Ranger Adventure Video

TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Sponsored Ad

Back
Top