302 Rad-differences between explorer radiators

madasmonkey · Mar 20, 2012

Hey, I went out to the scrap yard and bought a rad for a 97 explorer. I have heard of people using this rad and thought it would be a good idea however, I ran into some problems with this rad being so big. I got fed up of trying to fit the larger rad that I did more research......and the answer is the 91-94 rad from the explorer...... The scrap yard didn't want to exchange the rad so they gave me a discount on the smaller rad. Thought I'd post some pics of the problems I encountered using the 97 explorer rad.

Rad is way too tall....unless you want a broken rad within a couple minutes of off-roading, this was even with an angle towards the rear of the truck.

Even with the rad installed, the rad out let is being blocked. I'm sure there's a way around it, but don't really have the time since the truck was my DD.

Thought I'd include a photo of the size difference.
Hope this helps anyone who is fitting a rad for the 302.
I'll post up some more pics soon, when the smaller rad is in.

Chris

85_Ranger4x4 · Mar 20, 2012

What is that lump of something that is blocking the outlet? Mine has nothing like that under there.

They are a bugger to pull in JY's, they sure feel shoehorned in there. I wondered how they would fit in an older truck, after seeing the pics I wonder how a 3" bodylift would play into it...

FWIW they changed the core supports somewhere around '96, they bolt in those trucks like the 91-94 Explorer radiators bolt in the 83-95ish trucks.

madasmonkey · Mar 20, 2012

The lump thing goes across from one side of the frame to the other. I think is to brace the frame rails, it's infront of the crossmember.

Yeah the truck has no body or suspension lift. It would definitely make it easier with a body lift for sure, but I wanted to keep the ranger stock-looking.

CraKel · Mar 21, 2012

Post Hijack!! Sorry but Im currently running into the same problem with my 302 swap.. That 97' Xpolder Rad is a beast to fit in.. Can someone tell me what the 91-94 Explorer rad is (3-4core) and that it will mount into the ranger without problems? Also, what cfm e-fan I will need to cool my carb'd 302 w/out AC?

And 85Ranger4x4 - Is a 96' Xplorer rad the smaller version that you mention? And I assume these are for a 4.0L exploer? What about a 4.0L ranger rad what is the difference between the ranger's 3.0L and 4.0L rads??

85_Ranger4x4 · Mar 21, 2012

The 91-94 Explorer (A/C, Automatic, 4dr) is a two row radiatior, basically it is twice the thickness of the stock radiator. It bolts right in the older trucks. '95+ Explorers use the bigger style radiator.

I have a 2500CFM pusher, it is adaquate so far. Hopefully when I get rid of the pinging from excessive compression it does better. Pushers are less effecient than a puller however so you need more CFM to do the same.

madasmonkey · Mar 22, 2012

The problem was, I cut out the original radiator support for the larger 97 explorer radiator. However, my motor was mounted slightly towards the front, so i would have had to modify that support anyways.

I'm not too sure if there is a difference between the 3.0L and the 4.0L radiators for the ranger, they are the same size that's for sure (both single core). Just checked out autopartswarehouse, they have 2 radiators a single and a double row radiator, I was able to find a double row. You should have no problems fitting this radiator in, I'll post some pics when i'm done mounting the radiator (hopefully later today)

CraKel · Mar 22, 2012

Ok ya i looked on rockauto and they list a 4.0l rad for both ranger and explorer w ac hd is a 2 row and 3/8" smaller on width but double the thickness. So thats what ill be using.

My friend helping with the swap has nothing good to say about efans all his experiences in mr2s and skylines have failed. i have a 1100 cfm puller right now. Get one more and well see how that works out.

Thx for the help as usual
Ck

madasmonkey · Mar 22, 2012

Here is a pic of the new radiator support.

I took the old brackets and found some box tubing that i had laying around and it just happened to be just a perfect fit after welding on the old brackets. :icon_welder:

Got302ci · Mar 22, 2012

The problem you guys are having is the 97 explorer rad's only work in 99 up rangers!!!

That metal piece blocking the rad outlet in the pic is part of the TTB suspension bracing, the 99 up rangers have a exploder front end so to speak and a explorer rad bolts right in.........

85_Ranger4x4 · Mar 23, 2012

Got302ci said:
The problem you guys are having is the 97 explorer rad's only work in 99 up rangers!!!

That metal piece blocking the rad outlet in the pic is part of the TTB suspension bracing, the 99 up rangers have a exploder front end so to speak and a explorer rad bolts right in.........

They changed the core support before that, I think around '96.

Mine does not have that bracket.

302 Rad-differences between explorer radiators

Member

Forum Staff Member

Member

February 2010 STOTM Winner

Forum Staff Member

Member

February 2010 STOTM Winner

Member

Well-Known Member

Forum Staff Member

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Today's birthdays

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

25th Anniversary Merch

Follow TRS On Instagram

25th Anniversary Sponsors

TRS-3 Ford Ranger Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad

Amazon Deals