This should be a simple bolt-on (I'll know later for sure) for those looking for more cooling for their 3.0 or 4.0 (seems we use the same radiator guys..which seems a bit odd)

Here's the specs from http://www.radiatorbarn.com

Specifications (2003 3.0 Ranger)
Core Size: 20-3/4 X 23-5/8 X 1
Inlet Header: 3 X 23-3/4
Outlet Header: 3 X 23-3/4
Inlet Connection: 1-1/2 PASSENGERS SIDE
Outlet Connection: 1-1/2 DRIVERS SIDE
Transmission Oil Cooler: 12 (7 PLT)
Engine Oil Cooler: NONE
Mounting: TOP FLANGE/BOTTOM CRADLE
Notes: ONE ROW, PLASTIC TANKS/ALUMINUM CORE

Specifications (2003 4.0 Ranger)
Core Size: 20-3/4 X 23-5/8 X 1
Inlet Header: 3 X 23-3/4
Outlet Header: 3 X 23-3/4
Inlet Connection: 1-1/2 PASSENGERS SIDE
Outlet Connection: 1-1/2 DRIVERS SIDE
Transmission Oil Cooler: 12 (7 PLT)
Engine Oil Cooler: NONE
Mounting: TOP FLANGE/BOTTOM CRADLE
Notes: ONE ROW, PLASTIC TANKS/ALUMINUM CORE

Specifications (1998 5.0 Explorer)
Core Size: 20-13/16 X 23-5/8 X 2-3/16
Inlet Header: 3 X 23-3/4
Outlet Header: 3 X 23-3/4
Inlet Connection: 1-1/2 PASSENGERS SIDE
Outlet Connection: 1-1/2 DRIVERS SIDE
Transmission Oil Cooler: 12 (7 PLT)
Engine Oil Cooler: NONE
Mounting: TOP FLANGE/BOTTOM CRADLE
Notes: TWO ROW, PLASTIC TANKS/ALUMINUM CORE


The connections are the same size and on the proper side and the dimension (width or height I'm not sure which...I usually go WxH so in that case it would be the W) is only off about 1/16". The depth obviously is doubled. Actually the one I saw was 1-3/16" deeper (stock 3.0's is 1"D). I am just having the guys at the shop make sure I have at least 2-3" between the fan now and the motor.

Note: I also have a Pro-Form E-Fan for a 5.0 so you'll have to check your clearance with either your sotck clutch fan or your aftermarket E-Fan.

 

May not be too much of a problem for me. I have my fan mounted in the stock shroud, and there's space in there. Pretty good find and something I AM considering, Mike, thanks!

 

good find, now just get yourself an electric fan and dont worry about clearance. with the e fan you should have around 3"-4" extra of clearance between the back of the fan and the water pump nose.

 

Thanks. Glad I could help!

Already have an E-fan. Well, half of one left :p haha But the new one will be here tomorrow. I am fairly sure there is at least 2-3" there...I had my hand in there trying to break the other blades...but I know it was a tight fit.

 

you might if it becomes a problem just get one of those "pusher" efans and mount it on the front, right?

 

my fan is a pusher fan but it's wired in reverse to pull it through instead of push it out. not sure if it would mount on the front though...hmm

i took a look tonight and it's probably gonna be a tight fit...keyword fit..well tight too.
but there was probably 2" there. Not the factor of safety I'd like but I guess it'll be an experiement.

 

I thought reversed s-blade fans didn't move as much air?

Mine is reversible, but the blades are symmetrical -- which makes it noisier, lol. Still, mine has been very abused in water crossings and lives on.

 

Unfortunately I haven't been able to head up this little project and had to turn it over to my mechanic. He said he tried about 2 hours trying to get the Explorer radiator in there and couldn't get it mounted. Since I wasn't there I don't know what the issue is. I will try to get details as to why it wouldn't mount. Maybe the dimensions are similar and the fittings are correct but the actual mounts are different. IDK. I may stop at a radiator shop to see if they have one of each to compare.

EDIT: Last heard from shop that the two radiators were very similar but they couldn't get the radiator into the slot (I think). He also noted the pro-form fan would have hit the pullies. (Depth is 4.000". Flex-a-lite's Black Magic is 4.250". Flex-a-lite does offer a low-profile line of slimmer e-fans along the lines of 2.625" in depth)

So for now the stock radiator will stay and I'm getting a larger second trans cooler, 180 T-stat and switching to syn. ATF. I may look into this option or another option (custom radiator or heck, why not just mount the radiator in the bed with some dual e-fans like a race truck )