Larger Radiator in a 3.0

[atlgadawg]

My radiator tank has busted and I see several threads about using a 4.0 radiator in a 3.0 ranger. Is that really better? What is required to make it fit?
I have a 2000 Ranger extended cab with 3.0 and automatic. Are aftermarkets worth it or should I go with ford?

Thanks

 

[almostclueless]

My 98 NEVER gets too hot with the stock radiator

 

[fixizin]

My stock 3.0 sys never overheats either, even off-road in 4-Lo in places like Phoenix in July.

Interestingly, even though the 4.0 radiator is supposedly higher capacity, I see the 3.0 total system holds several quarts more coolant... where does it all "live"?

And why get another FoMoCo radiator (no doubt OVERpriced), since it failed on you in only 8 yrs.?? I say give the aftermarket guys a chance... don't know a brand to recommend off hand... sorry.

Please report back to this thread, let us know how it goes.

 

[atlgadawg]

So which Aftermarket

Still haven't bought my radiator yet. Would love to hear more about which aftermarket brands are good and which to avoid.

Thanks

 

[AllanD]

For a 3.0 the main advantage of a 4.0A/T radiator is that the extra coolant it holds means when you eventually spring a leak it takes longer for a fatal ammount of coolant to leak out.

AD

 

[Big Jim M]

I would install the largest capacity radiator that would fit without modification. I wouldn't spend extra time and effort to modify my ride if the radiator I had did a good job untill it croaked! If a 3-row will fit and is available get it.. If not then go for a two-row..
I have no advice on a brand Most I have purchased were Harrison (I think that is spelled correctly).
Big JIm

 

[AllanD]

BTW, Just to Revise and Extend Big Jim's remarks.

It's also silly to put a stock replacement piece in to replace a stock item when there's something "Heavy duty" available for a simplar price.

It's like the old saying about the most economical time to change the
oil in your engine is when you are already a quart low

AD

 

[Bob Ayers]

It is interesting that the coolant capacity is higher on the 3.0L, than the 4.0L:

 

[Bob Ayers]

Bob,

Are you saying the 3.0 does better with a bigger radiator? Since it needs more coolant or is a bigger radiator a waste?

I agree with Big Jim, and AD, to install the largest radiator you can, without botching up your truck (mods).

I posted the differences in coolant capacities as an interest item, I don't know what is causing the differences. I would guess that there is more water jacket area in the 3.0L than the 4.0L

 

[fixizin]

Ok thanks just wanted to understand you correctly. The 2 row that I have in my 94 that I added years ago when the 1 row took a shit. I have noticed it stays cooler over the years & that is the reason I still have it today. Like I stated above the 2 row radiator (NEW) and the fanshroud from a 2 row radiator that I got from the junkyard fit right in with no mods of anykind.

When you say cooler, you mean per the dash gauge?

Do you know how many quarts your new/mod'd system holds?

And as for fit, are the inlet and outlet at the same location and ANGLE, so you can use the same upper and lower rad hoses?

Lastly, does the new 4.0 shroud work with the old 3.0 fan+clutch?

 

[fixizin]

Actually, if your cylinder head temps or exhaust gas temps (airplanes get ALL the good engine gauges) are lower, that's not good... but that would depend more on your thermostat.

Oh, one last item: 4.0 Explorer shroud = 4.0 Ranger shroud?

How much do salvage yards ding ya for those?

 

[atlgadawg]

Went with the stock

Got a great deal on a ford factory replacement. Got the same model as my 3.0 had and it cooled great. No problems even in the middle of summer.
Thanks for all of the advice

 

[fixizin]

Great deal = how many $$??

I can see from a casual glance that swapping the Ranger rad (manual trans anyway) is at least an order of magnitude LESS hassle than a Taurus radiator... or any FWD unit for that matter.