Rad upgrade ?

[Carlos Murphy]

Checked all the pages in this forum, found nothing pertaining to rad swaps/upgrades, also checked the tech library.

I have a 88 Ranger, 2.9L auto with A/C and in need of a new radiator. I do allot of trail riding above 4700 feet here in Nevada and since I have to replace it I figure it's best to upgrade.

Help please

 

[AllanD]

The 1991-94 Explorer/Ranger 4.0 auto trans radiator is a bolt in replacement.

It is basically TWO of the radiators you have now grafted together.

You will need to use the 4.0 lower hose (which is the same as most gen2
auto trans 2.9 ) and there is some "tweeking" (trimming and carefully prestressing) the upper hose to make it fit.

I find best results by using the upper hose from a 2.9 as purchased from a car quest store.

I don't know exctly why but the car quest upper hose is just enough different from the hoses provided by other auto parts stores to make it easier to install it without it rubbing against the alternator belt

You will also need to use the fan shroud from an '89-up truck, though if you use a fan shroud from an explorer make it a point to grind off the "right hand thread on fan clutch" notice that's moulded into the shroud, your 2.9 has LEFT HAND threads)


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[Carlos Murphy]

rad

Thanks AllanD,
I'll start rounding up components.

Carlos Murphy