serpentine options Explorer vs Mustang

[casadejohnson]

What are the pros and cons to using the Explorer and Mustang serpentine setups? I have an explorer setup sitting in the garage, but still need to make the decisions about balancers and radiator hoses. My problem is I want to run vintage air. I know I can make the explorer compressor work but I'm not 100% sure thats what I want to do. Keeping in mind that I will add A/C at some point is there any advantage to going with a Mustang serp instead? I notice BC Broncos has an option for a serpentine compressor on their A/C setup. What serpentine setup is this designed to go into? I know it does not bolt up to the Explorer system. Also, A/C aside, are there any major advantages or disadvantages to either setup? What about other options, like the crown vic or something similar?

 

[TN1776]

The explorer dress is much lower profile and allows for bigger fans to sit between the radiator and motor. If I were to do it again (and I might one day), I would go with the Explorer setup simply for the space savings.

I don't see why the Explorer AC pump would be any worse than the Vintage air pump, the only bad things I've heard about the explorer pump is that its no good for onboard compressed air, which does not sound like its a concern to you. If you have the Explorer stuff already, use it. Just beware you lose your fuel pump eccentric, so if you run a carb you will have to run an electric fuel pump.

 

[casadejohnson]

I found a few older threads that talked about the lower profile of the explorer setup. My big concern was the A/C compressor and keeping the costs down. I don't want to buy an A/C kit and pay for a compressor that I'm not going to use in the explorer setup. I know NicksTrix just did a vintage air setup with the explorer serpentine. I understand that I can make it work I just want to make sure I'm spending my money wisely.

 

[gddyap]

Lower profile means being able to use a fan clutch. Also the power steering pump is not bad especially compared to the Mustang. You have to replace the Mustang pump with the similarly-bodied truck pump or use the Lars designed bracket offered by WH to put a Sag pump on. I'm not sure if the alternator is better.

 

[blubuckaroo]

The explorer dress is much lower profile and allows for bigger fans to sit between the radiator and motor. If I were to do it again (and I might one day), I would go with the Explorer setup simply for the space savings.

I don't see why the Explorer AC pump would be any worse than the Vintage air pump, the only bad things I've heard about the explorer pump is that its no good for onboard compressed air, which does not sound like its a concern to you. If you have the Explorer stuff already, use it. Just beware you lose your fuel pump eccentric, so if you run a carb you will have to run an electric fuel pump.

When you say "lower profile" do you mean closer to the ground or closer to the engine?

 

[Skiddy]

When you say "lower profile" do you mean closer to the ground or closer to the engine?

closer to the engine, more fan to radiator clearance

 

[bigmuddy]

I beleive the explorer alternators are all high amperage, whereas some of the mustangs were low and high amperage output, the mounts are different as well. I have run both serpentine setups and the explorer is hands down a better setup. You can get the mustang fan/flex fan a little closer to the engine by trimming the fan blades to get around hitting some of the pulleys.

Ben

 

[lonesouth]

The explorer PS pump is great, puts out plenty of pressure to turn the bigger meats. The stock alternator is 130amp and is regarded as one of the more durable alts available(memory serves that bit). The stock explorer fan is the only clutch fan that will fit without moving the radiator. You can also remove the clutch fan and have more options for an electric than with the mustang.

The only downside I can think of with the explorer conversion: the PS pressure hose will need to be custom made and the clutch fan is impossible to remove without the right tools.

 

[RedLeg0811]

The PS high presure can easly be made using AN fittings, but you will need an adapter from the PS to AN from Lee Manufacturing. For the adapter, aluminum gasket, and shipping $19.

 

[casadejohnson]

The PS high presure can easly be made using AN fittings, but you will need an adapter from the PS to AN from Lee Manufacturing. For the adapter, aluminum gasket, and shipping $19.

What fitting does the Explorer Power steering use? My current pump hose for my saginaw pump screws into the explorer pump but the hose ends look different so I don't know if it will hold or not. Anyone know?

 

[Viperwolf1]

What fitting does the Explorer Power steering use? My current pump hose for my saginaw pump screws into the explorer pump but the hose ends look different so I don't know if it will hold or not. Anyone know?

16mm x 1.5 o-ring

 

[Bronco_69]

you can remove the explorer fan without special tools. remove three of the fan bolts and two of the pulley bolts. now use a long punch (etc) to lock the pulley in place and use a large cresent wrench to loosen the fan.

these are not the right tools for the job but it did the trick for me.



the explorer set up is much better but alot more work. the biggest problem is that you have to get the correct balance on the balancer. my reservoir hit the hood and the passenger side idler pulley is very close to the frame rail. the stock AC compressor may also be real close to the power steering box.

 

[bigmuddy]

It is more work, but the pro's vastly out way the cons. The idler pulley issue is fixed by running the HD engine mounts (most need to replaced anyway) The PS pump reservoir is easily moved down by fabbing a simple plate and as far as the balancer? Oh well every mod take a little pain usually.

Ben

 

[casadejohnson]

It is more work, but the pro's vastly out way the cons. The idler pulley issue is fixed by running the HD engine mounts (most need to replaced anyway) The PS pump reservoir is easily moved down by fabbing a simple plate and as far as the balancer? Oh well every mod take a little pain usually.

Ben

What is the issue with the idler pulley? Does it hit the frame? What about the reservoir? I assume it hits the hood, I have about 3" of body lift, will that be enough to solve the reservoir problem?

 

[Bronco_69]

3" should clear just fine.

i used a tank from an astro van.

 

[casadejohnson]

3" should clear just fine.

i used a tank from an astro van.

What's the advantage of the astro tank over the explorer tank? I have hydroboost as well so I have to figure out a dual return as well.

 

[Bronco_69]

it is shorter so it clears my hood

it is also metal so you could braze in another return for the hydroboost.

 

[Viperwolf1]

What is the issue with the idler pulley? Does it hit the frame? What about the reservoir? I assume it hits the hood, I have about 3" of body lift, will that be enough to solve the reservoir problem?

The lower pass side idler pulley comes close to the crossmember. Raising the engine slightly with taller motor mounts helps.