Dan Wheeler's Explorer 4.0 Radiator and Taurus Fan Thread

[ransil]

For the people who moved the core support forwards, what did you do to get the hood to close?

hood pins

http://www.dufftuff.com/Black_Urethane_Hood_Pin_each_p/9645.htm

 

[Skiddy]

hood pins

http://www.dufftuff.com/Black_Urethane_Hood_Pin_each_p/9645.htm

same here

 

[KyleQ]

I'm going out on a limb here, but those are going to replace the bolt that holds the hood stop bushing in place? That price isn't nearly as bad as I was expecting... I suppose I could bite the bullet and order them - I sure would feel a bit better using those rather than relying only on the hood catch holding me hood down during high speed runs...

 

[ransil]

I'm going out on a limb here, but those are going to replace the bolt that holds the hood stop bushing in place? That price isn't nearly as bad as I was expecting... I suppose I could bite the bullet and order them - I sure would feel a bit better using those rather than relying only on the hood catch holding me hood down during high speed runs...

Yes they replace them.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[DanWheeler]

oh is that where the hood pins are supposed to go? Just drill out the existing stop bushings?

hmm... I made new mounts for mine but I can't remember why. Maybe I thought it would look funny if the hood pins were so close to the edge of the hood. Or maybe it was because I wanted to angle them forward a bit to match the arc of the hood because they can be a real pain to close the hood.

you can kinda see where I put mine. (yes they are gusseted below)

Kyle, to answer your original question, and I don't wanna be the guy who says it CAN'T be done but I really think its too tight of a squeeze to get the explorer 4.0 radiator in there without moving the core support forward.

I definitely thought about cutting off the threaded portion of the water pump. It might work. I didn't go that route because I wanted to carry around the old mechanical fan as a spare. Now I just carry a spare motor

it *could* work looking at that old photo when I was in the same boat trying to figure out how to do it without cutting the core support.

it's not really that difficult to cut the core support. I only cut the top part and that was enough to angle the radiator back. It's just a PITA taking the front off and doing the hinge pins.

 

[Tito]

On my new project I cut the snout on the pump and am running the 4.0 radiator and taurus fan in the stockish location without modifying the core support except for removing the stock radiator mounts. I have enough clearance I believe ~ 3/8 - 1/2"

 

[DanWheeler]

On my new project

man... if I had a dollar for every time you've said "on my new project" over the years.

or better yet, a new Bronco for every time you've said that!

you are a lucky man

 

[KyleQ]

Hrm - the front of my Bronco isn't exactly what I would call "straight" over the years of PO's running into shit. I think I'm going to try cutting the snout off the water pump for starters - going to fire up the motor and attack it with a die grinder in an attempt to get a nice straight cut.

If at that point it fits, win. If it doesn't fit I'm going to "adjust" the core support to try and get some more room. AKA I'm going to grab it, curse at it, and pull. I'm not against cutting off the stock rad BS too, I'm thinking between cutting the threads off and adjusting where things sit I should be good.

Thanks for the information everyone - I'll post my results here when I am done as well as my thread. It's very relevant info- I'm not against cutting stuff up (obviously) but I try and avoid it.

 

[KyleQ]

Update -

I hacked off the factory radiator mounts and the bump outs on the bottom as well, probably didn't need to though judging by the clearance I've got.

 

[Tom Dummer]

I just picked up a '96 explorer 4.0 radiator and its too W I D E to fit between the frame rails. the 94 radiator is also referenced here. I just called the yard and ordered the 94 up. I HOPE its correct.

 

[Bronchole]

Did you get the V8 or V6 radiator? I know the one I have in mine is from a 1992 Explorer, they only came in V6. I think 1996 was the first year for V8 Explorers.

 

[Tom Dummer]

Its listed as a 96- 01 4.0
Looking at the radiators on Discount Auto radiator.com they are significantly different. Looks like the 94 is a lot narrower.

 

[HGM]

'96 is a totally different animal, regardless of engine.. The frame rails are wider.. you definitely want the '91-94..

 

[KyleQ]

I ditched the electrics long ago - I get into a bit of mud and sand wherever I go and that seems to kill the damn fans faster than anything. I am using a 4.0 radiator with a 5.0 fan and it is excellent with my 351W.

Everything fit perfect cutting the stock radiator mounts off and just hanging the 4.0 radiator straight off the core support.

Then I ended up cutting everything off anyway-