I replaced the radiator in my 6 cyl 97 ranger. The radiator that I got from my local Advance store has a single thickness of tubes so the tank on the filler neck side is a lot wider than the other side, so when I place the shroud in it is setting cockeyed also there is a large gap between the shroud and the top of the tubes.
So do I really need to replace the shroud. Thanks

 

Yes. Trim if necessary to get it to fit. If it is not in place you will have cooling problems in city driving.

 

+1 ^^^

Without the shroud the fan will pull air from the sides, not thru the radiator to cool it when driving slow or idling
You will notice temp rising when you stop

 

As others have mentioned, yes it is necessary. Ford put them on for a reason, as did many other manufacturers.

 

You can get by without the shroud if you don't let it idle much or drive slow very long. I have a race car that doesn't have a shroud or fan. It has no problem with over heating but heats up quickly when idling. I have 69 Fairlane Cobra that had no shroud on it when I bought it. It was fine when moving but at idle would overheat quickly. The previous owner tried using an electric fan on the front of the radiator to get more air through but it didn't help. I tossed the electric fan an installed a shroud. Problem solved.

Normal use of a Ranger requires a shroud.