Radiator type and placement on a 87 BII w/a 302

[RngTrtl]

All,

I have searched/read tons of posts here and at RPS on this subject and have come up with the following information about what radiator to get and how I can get it into the core support so that i can clear my accessories.

1. rad from explorer (auto tranny HD rad), possibly get this puppy into the core support

2. bite the bullet and have one custom made.

Anyone got any advice?

1987 BII, 302 HO and AOD(from an 88 mustang) serpentine belt accessories

Many thanks!

 

[Spdrcer34]

search for posts by 410fortune over on ExplorerForum.com

He went custom, and that one turned out to be a bad investment....

Ryan

 

[projectnitemare]

Measure the spot you have to work with and order the closest size aluminum one from Jegs. Depending on your skills and tools a 26x19 will fit with the proper cutting and brackets and that is more than enough to cool a 302. Probably your best and cheapest long term option.

Matt

 

[RngTrtl]

thanks for the heads up on that! I hope to pull motor this weekend and get more room to look around. I am hoping to keep the AC so i am sure that I am gonna have to mod the hell out of that area anyway.

 

[wade]

Explorer/Mountaineer (4.0L HD w/ auto) will work fine and availability is good. Its a 2 core aluminum w/ tranny cooler. You'll need to massage the core support to tuck the radiator into the core support to make room at the FEAD. Also, recommend you continue your search/reading. TRS and RPS have plenty posted to keep you occupied. Don't grow weary by shuffling thru your thread search. Lots out there (even w/ pics) -- be patient -- keep searching. TRS has an excellent Technical Library. Have you gone there for starters?

 

[RngTrtl]

thanks for advice on the radiator. I have read reread and then reread some more on all the great info in the tech library. this weekend (with a little luck) I am gonna start the tear down.

 

[red85]

I have run all of the following - 77 Granada (BIG RAD but cools very well)
- 96 Explorer (cut the bottom out of the rad saddle)
- 94 Explorer auto (great fit)

 

[88mudder]

i run a fox mustang 3 core aluminum rad and it fits great with no cutting. I just bent the top lip down on the rad and screwed it down to my core support. The bottom is zipzied but brackets could easily be made!

 

[brett]

i used a 91 explorer hd with ac and auto trans
the trans line fittings were not the same so an adapter or
seprate trans cooler will be needed
i used a seprate trans cooler
the rad bolted into stock location bottom pegs as well
this leaves me about an inch of clearance
using an electric fan in front of rad