Radiator

[84Ranger4X4]

Ok, so today my radiator started leaking on my 87. It's the basic truck no ac, no nothing. Would the truck benifit from a bigger radiator out of the V6 truck with ac? will it fit? I will be towing a small motorcycle trailer with it and do alot of bumper to bumper driving. It's a 2.3 5-speed by the way.

 

[redneckbrad007]

uhm the v-6 radiator might fit if ya can messure at and compare to the original and see if it works i hope that helps at all

 

[MAKG]

You can fit the 2row Exploder (91-94 4.0L) in. You'll have to retrofit the fan shroud and hoses, as they aren't likely to be in the same places. The bolt holes do fit, though.

Not all Exploders had this, even with A/C and an automatic transmission. It was an option.

It's probably not necessary, but won't hurt anything as long as you keep the hoses away from the belts (BTDT). It MAY be nice if you try to haul that motorcycle into the high desert or over the Sierra in summer.

This is a common retrofit for 2.9Ls, as they are quite sensitive to cooling system problems and the stock system is barely adequate under normal conditions.

If you sit on I-80 a lot, the thing to watch is the fan clutch. You can replace the fan with one from a V6 with automatic as long as you make sure it rotates in the same direction. Serpentine belt systems rotate opposite V-belt systems.

 

[Dave R]

The larger Explorer radiator fits in the second generation ('89-'92) trucks but I don't think I've heard of anyone putting one in a first generation truck. Either way the radiator inlet/outlet are on the wrong sides. Bill G put one in his '92, perhaps he'll chime in with the hose requirements.

 

[Bill G]

The larger Explorer radiator fits in the second generation ('89-'92) trucks but I don't think I've heard of anyone putting one in a first generation truck. Either way the radiator inlet/outlet are on the wrong sides. Bill G put one in his '92, perhaps he'll chime in with the hose requirements.

I'm not at home right now, but I'll put up some info later tonight. I have some stuff on someone who put one in a Gen1 Ranger 4x4 also.

 

[MAKG]

I put one in an '86 Bronco II. It bolted in just fine, even with the A/C condenser.

Hose requirements are of course important; long hoses are easier to, well, hose.

 

[scotts90ranger]

as far as it being needed, if you wheel the truck or tow, it'll help, that's about the only time my needle raises above normal...

my needle was a little bit above normal (around the N compared to about 1/4" before it) when I blew a water pump gasket (don't know how that happened) and had maybe 3/4 gallon of coolant and was driving down the freeway... still need to put in coolant before it freezes too hard...