Cooling Fan and Fan Clutch fitment issues

[wittycow]

I am replacing the fan clutch and cooling fan on a 1986 2.9 Ranger.

Of course parts don't line up. The cooling fan bolt pattern is just shy of fitting onto the fan clutch. I have searched for the exact fan E47-8600EB, but no luck.

Any advice of a fan and clutch combo that would fit?

I thought of just grinding off the little bit of metal on the cooling fan but was worried about it being unbalenced.

Any ideas?

 

[AndyB.]

The E47 number is a Ford drawing number. The service part would be E4TZ-8600-A. If you plug that number into partsvoice.com, Haven Ford shows having 1.

Ford superseded and consolidated part numbers quite a bit. I have a fan blade with drawing number E57A-8600-KA. It’s a 7 blade, around 15” in diameter that I ran for a few years on an ‘85 2.8 before tracking down a NOS original number blade. I’d sell it to you very reasonably.

 

[gaz]

wittycow,

Though it doesn't sound like your idea of a repair, I recommend removing the fan and clutch, then throw them away. Then you can install an electronic fan instead. The little V6 really benefits from the reduced crank weight, it's easily noticable in acceleration and at the gas pump.

 

[wittycow]

Thanks for both replies. I read several post about the fan swap and I am really considering it. Is there a all in one kit to buy or do you piece it together?

 

[gaz]

wittycow,

Several companies sell fan set up kits that include wiring and thermostat control systems.

In my experience, the most reliable set up is a simple toggle switch, I don't need to use the fan unless stopped in traffic or anytime driving under 35 mph.