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Old 09-19-2012, 10:10 AM
PLG1 PLG1 is offline
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Default Antifreeze leak on 1998 4.0. From bottom of radiator. Replace it?

My 1996 4.0 Ranger with 165,000 has antifreeze dripping from the bottom of the radiator. Its the original, never overheats and never been hit. Its not a lot and only drips after running. Its definitely coming from the radiator, not the water pump. It drips to either side depending on how its tilted.

Is it common for the radiator to fracture? Is there anything else I should replace if I decide to replace the radiator. Does a colder thermostat help? I'm also thinking about using the Explorer 5.0 radiator. Comments are appreciated.

Thank you.

----------

I just took a closer look. There is a crack in my radiator. I'm thinking to replace top/bottom hoses, water pump and serpentine belt. Anything else I should replace while I'm in there?

How easy is an electric fan conversion? Any parts sources?

Thanks!
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Paul Gruenther, Jacksonville, FL
1998 Ranger 4.0 with 5 speed
"The Red Sled"
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Old 09-20-2012, 11:26 AM
PLG1 PLG1 is offline
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Default Yes, repalce radiator, water pump, electric fan, hoses & t-stat for $350.

Ranger parts are so cheap. After a bit more research I ain't putting used parts back in. An aftermarket 20x22 shroud and electric fan was $120 at ebay.

I got the rest of the parts at Advanced auto for $225:
2 row Explorer 5.0 radiator
New water pump (not rebuilt)
Serpentine belt
upper and lower hoses + clamps
180 degree thermostat.

Stay tuned.
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1998 Ranger 4.0 with 5 speed
"The Red Sled"
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Old 09-20-2012, 02:43 PM
sgtsandman sgtsandman is offline
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Default Re: Antifreeze leak on 1998 4.0. From bottom of radiator. Replace it?

Might want to look at the heater hoses while your at it and there is a couple of hoses that run to the throttle body. If they look good, you can probably leave them be but make sure there is no weeping or residue build up in the ends where the cords show. If there is, then they are failing internally and could burst on you.
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2011 Ranger XLT, 4X4, 4 door Super Cab. 4.0L, 5 Speed M50D-R1HD, 3.73:1, 8.8" open differential, Jason Pace cap
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