Heavy Duty Fan Clutch

[bowturkey]

I was woundering if anyone knows if a heavy duty fan clutch would have more cooling capability than an O.E.M. clutch?

 

[MAKG]

The clutch doesn't determine capability. That's the fan, fan shroud, and radiator.

Having said that, the automatic and manual transmission early 4.0L fan clutches are not the same. I suspect the auto one clutches at a lower temperature. But if you're overheating, that won't help. I guarantee the manual one won't stay off at overheating temperatures if it is working properly.

If you're having overheating problems, check the radiator is not plugged (feel for cool spots), make sure you have the "full" fan shroud and that the fan clutch works. If everything is fine, put in the 2row 4.0L radiator if you have the 1row (you'll need a fan shroud from the junkyard or your hood won't close).

 

[kemicalburns]

i would run a stock fan clutch. ive heard the heavy duty units dont operate properly on a vehicle that doesnt require it.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

The HD units work fine; however they hum loudly when you first start the vehicle due to the increased size of the clutch. It goes away after a few seconds, not really an issue.

The bonus to the HD unit that I saw when I installed it was that it uses the standard fan clutch wrench size used on almost all Ford longitudinal engines. That was a bonus as I didn't have the smaller size my stock 3.0 fan clutch required.

 

[bowturkey]

Would I be better off putting in a higher capacity fan ? I didn't tell you it only over heats when I have the plow on. I know the plow blocks a lot of air but I am trying to get around it with out spending any more than I have to.

 

[kemicalburns]

i would look into an electric fan that you can have on a toggle switch. the clutch fans are the way to go so i wouldnt change that.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

whatever you do, do NOT replace the mechanical clutch fan with an e-fan. you can add an e-fan and run both the mechanical fan and an e-fan...but the mechanical fan moves more air than an aftermarket e-fan...so ditching the stocker is a rather large downgrade.

i would go with the 2-row radiator first though, i get the feeling that'll solve your problems and its a nice, simple, reliable upgrade.