smallblock with a 4.0 rad?

[koda6966]

Would a radiator from a 4.0 Explorer work in a truck that's getting a 302 or 351 engine?

Also, anyone know if there's any year that works best for the 4.0 rad swap onto a 3.0 truck?

Reason I ask, I kind of need a new radiator but the JB weld kind of works. So I kind of don't need it. But if I get a new one, I don't want to have to go buy another one when I do my engine swap.

 

[dangerranger83]

Heresa link to the v8 swap info from the tech library on 83-97 trucks....

http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.html

And under the cooling section in that link...

Cooling:

Radiator - There have been many members of The Ranger Station forums that have used the stock 4.0L radiator successfully with a small block Ford V8. If your Ranger doesn't have a 4.0L in it now, look for a radiator from a 1991-1994 Ford Explorer which is a direct bolt in. The 1995+ Explorer radiator will require modifications to the core support to get it to fit.

The only issue that the stock radiator may raise is clearance. Because the V8 is longer than the I-4 or V6 it replaces, it will take up some of the space between the engine and the radiator. Not all Ford water pumps are the same depth. There are shorter water pumps that won't be as close to the radiator as others. Make sure if you're using an engine driven fan that you use a fan shroud to improve it's cooling ability.

Hope that helps you out. I have a 4 core exploder rad Im putting in mine out of a 5.0.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I am running an HD Explorer radiator in mine (has to be automatic with A/C) 91-94 should be a bolt into any truck before '96.

My longblock is a stock '87 non-HO roller. With a big Flex-a-lite pusher fan it just works in the summer, very much engine and I don't think it would. With a shorter FEAD (Front Engine Accessory Drive) and maybe moving the radiator ahead a little a more effective puller would fit. No AC and I don't have room as it sits to run the AT through the built in cooler.

Explorer FEAD's are the shortest followed by the SN-95 Mustangs. Depending on what your engine is you will need more/less parts to convert from one FEAD to another.

I have an Explorer FEAD waiting in the wings to put on and hopefully be able to use the built in tranny cooler.

 

[koda6966]

Well either way I'm going to have to either modify the mounts or the core support. The truck is a 93 with the 3.0, but the core support is a 2001.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Does it have the '93 radiator in it now?

If it takes the later style I THINK the 5.0 Explorer radiator may bolt in.

 

[dangerranger83]

Get rid of the mechanical fan and put a taruas fan in it. Will free up a few horses and make it a bit safer under the hood too.

When I go to do mine, I know I will have to cut the core support for mine but nothing that Im not willing to do. Hell I may take the whole front off my truck to do my 5.0 swap. Im also going to be running my factor FEAD on mine, it a long setup but Im not worried about it.

You going FI or carb on it?

 

[koda6966]

I want to do carbed, but I might settle on FI if I have to. It all depends on what makes itself available to me.

Right now it still has the OE 93 radiator, but I don't have my core support on. Check my build thread for details and carnage shots.

 

[dangerranger83]

I think the 3.0 and 4.0 rads are different but not sure. Its the water inlet and outlet that need attention too when doing this.

Im going with a sure thing, 5.0 rad.

 

[koda6966]

Picked up a 4.0 radiator yesterday, we'll see how it works. Couldn't beat the deal, they were on sale for $19.99 @ my local yard.

 

[RJAAAAAA]

Picked up a 4.0 radiator yesterday, we'll see how it works. Couldn't beat the deal, they were on sale for $19.99 @ my local yard.

I think you said that you have a 2001 support in your truck ? If so the 4.0 rad is a drop right in on the stock supports. Don't know about clearances thought with the new motor. I used a 4.0 HD rad from an Explorer w/ ac & auto. It works fine now, no hot weather yet but I don't think I will have any problems.

 

[koda6966]

I was hoping to get that core support and radiator mounted up, but recent weather conditions don't agree with that idea. Haha.