A different clutch fan option

[Thealien]

Some of you myself included wanted to keep things simple and stay with a clutch fan for cooling. My situation was very unique as I was trying to keep my engine as high as I can for additional differential clearance while still using the factory clutch fan and my factory shroud. If you leaned on the shroud even very slightly or romped on the gas pedal the fan would hit the shroud. Every now and then I would notice the temp gauge getting very hot and found the fan stopped on occasion.

I had read somewhere that a F**d explorer 95-01 4.0 fan was 1 inch smaller in diameter and the shaft was about 1/2 inch shorter giving more radiator clearance if needed. I didn't need the extra space so I drilled the F**d fans smaller holes so it would fit my 5.3s clutch assembly. The new fan has a more aggressive blade pitch and no longer hits my shroud. I believe I have solved my getting hot issue and thought I would share.

Sorry I took no pictures!

[jsbgump]

Thanks for the info. I just tried a fan and clutch off a 96-98 votec 350 truck engine and the fan is too big for the factory truck small block fan shroud

[67C10BUB]

Good to know. Thanks.

[chevydog66]

My LS clutch fan works with my 72 shroud, I just slotted it a little in order to raise the shroud up about 1/4" in order to gain even more clearance, Clarence. My 6.0 hasnt been above 190*.

[Thealien]

Originally Posted by chevydog66

My LS clutch fan works with my 72 shroud, I just slotted it a little in order to raise the shroud up about 1/4" in order to gain even more clearance, Clarence. My 6.0 hasnt been above 190*.

I had raised my shroud a little also and it cleared. I guess when I accelerate hard there must have been enough movement to allow the fan to hit my shroud. Every now and then I would notice the temp raising and would find the fan was stopped from hitting the shroud! There was/is some good grooves inside the shroud from hitting the fan so even with a solid mount/crossmember and polyurethane bushings there is enough engine movement to cause the fan to hit the shroud. Since swapping in the explorer fan I have not experienced any problems.

Just giving an inexpensive option (compared to electric fans) in case someone else experiences fan interferance like I did.