Explorer serpentine - which radiator?

[jeffncs]

Installing an Explorer setup and need to source a reverse flow radiator. Any strong recommendations that won’t break the bank? Love to go copper of one exists; no opposition to aluminum. Love to get a part number to cross-reference for a local part.

Thanks!

 

[bigmuddy]

From recent threads, I would go copper brass. Aluminum in our applications seems to have low ratings when it comes to longevity. I have a champion and will run it until it starts leaking then go copper/brass.
I think Wild horse sells the conversion radiator, but you can also buy a stock style and run the bottom crossover pipe which works well enough.

 

[bronco italiano]

If you can afford it, buy the radiator with the explorer stock style inlet/outlets. Copper-brass for longevity.
I have used Champion radiator with good luck in my son's 240z, but would not in my off road vehicle.

 

[1973bronco1973]

This takes custom mounting, but has worked well for me. From a 94 explorer auto with ac. I used the shroud that came out of the same rig. 10 years but only 4 k miles. Just ran the entire rubicon with 35’s, 4.10, 4r70, np205, running through the radiator then an aux cooler and my 408 only got to 210f going up the last part of Cadillac hill. If I remember right i used a fox body upper radiator hose and a flex hose on the bottom. Beware the auto radiator without ac has a core too thin to cool a v8

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[DirtDonk]

I think Wild horse sells the conversion radiator, but you can also buy a stock style and run the bottom crossover pipe which works well enough.

That’s what I have in my 68. I use the copper/brass “triple pass“ with standard configuration for my explorer set up.
Uses the metal crossover tube on the bottom, and a “customized“ upper hose.
It’s just a standard hose, that I don’t remember for what, but split in the middle with a sleeve. So it can be twisted into the right configuration.
Looks great and works perfect. It’s actually too cool now, which makes me think it’s a thermostat. Which I have not replaced yet.

 

[rjrobin2002]

I used the 94 explorer radiator and shroud also with several builds with no problem.

 

[SLOWnEASY]

It’s actually too cool now, which makes me think it’s a thermostat. Which I have not replaced yet.

I your running too cold I would definitely replace or at least remove and inspect the thermostat as it sounds like it's possibly stuck open.

 

[tasker]

USED the 4.0 Explorer auto radiator in my build rig as well....very thick and found a new one on craigslist

 

[DirtDonk]

Do you have detailed pics of how it’s mounted? Or a thread showing those details?

 

[jeffncs]

Do you have detailed pics of how it’s mounted? Or a thread showing those details?

@tasker

Hoping you can post some mounting pics.

 

[tasker]

CAN'T help you a ton there, glass body and a one off Bronco Design front clip. Standard holes with insulators for the bottom, Slednut custom made brackets at the top. Will try and get some better pics of the mounting

 

[fordguy]

That’s what I have in my 68. I use the copper/brass “triple pass“ with standard configuration for my explorer set up.
Uses the metal crossover tube on the bottom, and a “customized“ upper hose.
It’s just a standard hose, that I don’t remember for what, but split in the middle with a sleeve. So it can be twisted into the right configuration.
Looks great and works perfect. It’s actually too cool now, which makes me think it’s a thermostat. Which I have not replaced yet.

I went this route with a USRadaitor with stock inlet/outlet. Only ran it a few miles but is has done well. It ran sitting still when charged a/c for about 1/2 hour with no change in temp.

 

[1973bronco1973]

I removed the stock lower mount and welded in flat bar that I bent. It has a hole for the factory rubber bushing and the bushing doesn’t fit tight, allowing flex without pushing on the lower radiator mounts. Upper I was able to weld a nut to the radiator support. This is with a 3” body lift.

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[DirtDonk]

Great! Thanks for the pictures.
Even though I like “standard” Bronco radiators, whether aluminum or copper, I have always been a fan of the Explorer radiators and the way they are mounted.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The key with the late model radiator is to mount them like a late model radiator. Soft rubber mounts so the radiator floats on the mounts and isn't stressed as the body flexes.

 

[jeffncs]

USED the 4.0 Explorer auto radiator in my build rig as well....very thick and found a new one on craigslist
View attachment 950532

Thanks. Just secured this radiator for my truck. Do you recall which hoses you used?