I have a 1997 4.0L the radiator is the 2.25 inch thick one. It is leaking and I am having to replace it. What are my options. And is there any changes I can make now and be "upgrading" it. Anything like changing to a electric fan or size of radiator or type of radiator change performance, fual econamy or cooling camability? The trucks got about 200,000 miles on it and I don't want tp dump a ton but I am having to replace the radiator might as well upgarde it at the same time. Thanks for the help!

 

I bought a new one from autozone and new hoses, did a extensive flush a few weeks ago. Could be my imagination but it seems like my mpg went up slightly

 

Ya that would be nice a lil up in the eco. Happy memorial day to all millitary and family.

 

I know if you went the stock size route it is relatively easy to remove rad fan and install electrical one.

 

In my experience, the electric fans are problematic.


Are you an automatic? Do you have an external cooler? Or do your lines run into the radiator? If so, I suggest swapping to an external cooler and getting a direct replacement radiator meant for a manual truck. You've already got the biggest radiator available for the truck in a direct swap setup. You go bigger, you start running into fitment issues in other areas.


Also, it would be beneficial to swap the fan clutch since you've gotta pull the fan anyway. Especially if it's got the kind of mileage the truck has.


I don't know if there's any truth to this, but apparently 2006 fans differ from 05 and earlier fans. Something about blade angle combined with different clutch? Someone told me this years back and I never researched it. Unknown if it or the clutch will fit your 4.0 OHV.

 

e-fans are problimatic because 99% of people with them either crimp connector them, dont install them correctly, or try running too much power through tiny relays/switches.

an e-fan isnt any more problematic then a clutch fan spinning 24/7 wearing out your waterpump bearings quicker then needed.


There are radiators you can add, you shouldnt need one. for the money it wont be worth it. an e-fan though, is a great way to save some gas and free up a little throttle response. I love mine, it works beautifully. the truck warms up faster, the AC blows colder, my MPG went up.

 

There is a real slim rad infront of the main rad. Is that the trans rad?

So I have a e-fan out of a 97 or 99 merc sable.
Would that work with me getting the stock replacement main rad?
I can have someone I know help make the best connections to the e-fan.

 

Its a automatic trans.

 

The slim radiator in front of the main radiator is probably for the air conditioner. I think the trans
cooler is either built into the radiator or a small separate radiator. My Ranger has the separate
trans. radiator. I think it's part of the towing package.