I was wondering what the differences between my stock 2.5 Ranger radiator and the stock 5.0 Explorer radiator are. Is it all about capacity, or what? My stock radiator is in good shape, and has all of the connections I would need for the tranny cooler. Is it ABSOLUTELY necessary that I replace my 2.5 for a 5.0 radiator?

Thanks!

 

i would replace it.

 

Go aluminum

 

Exactly my point. Even my 2.5 radiator is a cross flow aluminum core.

The engine coolant capacities are as follows:
2000 2.5L w/auto trans - 10.2 quarts
1998 5.0L w/auto trans - 16.0 quarts

I'm wondering if the capacity difference has anything to do with the larger block and intake manifold of the 5.0L or because of a thicker radiator.

Is there any way someone with a 4.0 can measure the thickness of their radiator? I figure it's safe to assume they are all the same size in relation to height and width.

EDIT: Oh and, I don't plan on cheaping out before I get the truck rollin and leaving the 2.5 radiator in there. I'll have a nice 3-core aluminum radiator when I get the money on my PayPal.

 

my brand new stock radiator on my 4.0 is one stinking row. its like not more then one inch thick. one day tho, ill get once with a few more rows.

 

http://rogueperformance.com/cooling.html

Some interesting info.

 

Very interesting indeed! I appears some of the V8 swap guys actually use a radiator for a 4.0. I'm gonna look and see if they are the same part numbers.

 

The stock 5.0L Ex radiator is double row. As far as I know, all late model Ranger radiators are single row. (I think some earlier V6 Rangers may have had the "supercooling" option that included a double row radiator but that has been discontinued for several years.)

As you might expect, the double row 97 5.0 Ex radiator that I'm using is twice as thick as the single row that came on my 2003 4.0L. It bolts right on the stock Ranger mounts. Personally, I wouldn't even consider using the 4-cylinder radiator with the eight.

 

Bob,

Does that fit with a stock fan ?

 

Bob and I both have electric fans. I'm not sure if the stock pulley-driven fan would fit or not.

 

Yes but the 5.0L Ex fan & clutch should be used with the 5.0L swap. The entire 5.0 Ex fan and clutch is more compact, front to back, than the Ranger fan and clutch.

I am reusing the original 4.0 Ranger fan & clutch because my 5.0 Ex fan clutch was seized and they are expensive to replace. I shortened the 4.0L nut 1/4" and the engine is moved back about 1/2" from the stock location so there is enough room. I don't think there would be enough clearance without those mods.

If you want to know if the 5.0 Explorer radiator will work with a Ranger V6 and V6 fan/clutch, the answer is I don't know. With just a radiator swap, the double row 5.0L Explorer radiator would be about 1 1/16" closer to the fan than a single row like my 2003 4.0L. Using that info, you should be able to decide if it will work in your application.

 

there is a reason that Advanced Adaptors has that Two Core Radiator as apart of the 5.0 swap kit list.

 

Thanks Bob !!!!!