Radiator Support Position
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Lethbridge AB
Radiator Support Position
Everyday I walk into my shop and I see the rebuilt 289 sitting there bolted to the engine stand and it drives me crazy. This past weekend I cracked and with the help of the son in law we bolted manifold and sheet metal back on the block. I will have to strip it all down again to get it all powder coated so I just hand tightened everything to see what it will look like and so I can bolt up the tranny and set it into place to figure out motor mounts and cross members.
I noticed the 2 positions for the rad support and wanted to ask if there is any reason I cant install the support in the front holes which I understand are for the 6 cyl engine.
I was just thinking this would give me a little more room in the front for the fan and for the bell housing at the firewall.
Does anyone see any issues with this that I have missed or is this how its generally done?
I noticed the 2 positions for the rad support and wanted to ask if there is any reason I cant install the support in the front holes which I understand are for the 6 cyl engine.
I was just thinking this would give me a little more room in the front for the fan and for the bell housing at the firewall.
Does anyone see any issues with this that I have missed or is this how its generally done?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
Since you are going to install an electric fan it will most likely come with it's own shroud, other wise the hood baffle insert for the original motor/rad combination will be ineffective. This setup shouldn't be a problem. I'm also going to use the front rad mount holes with the 351w and install the electric fan.
edit: For some reason I took it for granted you are using an electric fan but after re reading your post I realised my error. The upper shroud in the hood will be "set back" to far unless you get the one for the 6 cyl.
edit: For some reason I took it for granted you are using an electric fan but after re reading your post I realised my error. The upper shroud in the hood will be "set back" to far unless you get the one for the 6 cyl.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Lethbridge AB
I was hoping that was the only difference. If I can't find the proper deflectors I can fab something to fit properly. The PO actually cut a hole into the drivers side firewall for the valve cover to sit right because he had the motor set to far back. This was my first concern. The other is that its sure nice to be able to get at the top tranny bolts from above instead of trying to reach them from below. Basically I'm just trying to gain as much room as I can. Also don\t rule out the electric fan. I just dont have one here right now.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,994
Likes: 3
From: Morgan Hill, CA
I used the front mounting holes...I put in a 351w without any mods to the firewall. I was able to end up with bell housing clearance, but there wasn't enough room up front for a pulley mounted fan. I went with an electric unit & no shroud. It keeps cool just fine! My first test was on a 105 degree day & no problems. You'll have to pull that deflector off of the front valence. Your inner fenders should already have a forward set of holes for the bolts that go to the radiator support.
There is some room up front...I could have put on a flex fan, but it would have been too close for comfort.
Dan
There is some room up front...I could have put on a flex fan, but it would have been too close for comfort.
Dan
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
The deflector on the bottom and the air deflector in the hood are different for V8 and 6 cyl positions in the 48-50 models. The lower deflector on 48-50 needs to be swapped out for the specific engine, i.e., 6 cyl or V8. In 51-52, the deflector just needs to be removed if the radiator is getting moved into the 6 cyl position, but had a V8 originally. Confused yet? 
I may have the 48-50 lower and upper air deflectors for the 6 cyl. Just need to check the width to make sure. PM or email me if you're interested.
I may have the 48-50 lower and upper air deflectors for the 6 cyl. Just need to check the width to make sure. PM or email me if you're interested.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
You can modify the lower and upper deflectors to fit with some trimming. I did that with my 48 F-3 when I used the forward most holes but if you don't want to do that you can use the 6 cylinder pieces as Panelman suggested. 
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Lethbridge AB
Thanks for the offer Ilya. I may take you up on it but I have some new information that may change the need for them. The newest update is that my original rad is toast, so I am going to go with a mid 70's dodge rad and build a support for it. Theres lots of info on this site to use for that. My guess is this will mean I will need to build the air deflectors to suite I guess. That is unless any of you know it I will still be able to use the original support with the dodge rad. I haven't done much research yet.
Also I have decided to use an electric fan and save myself the headaches of fighting for space. Once I get the motor and tranny placed (hopefully tonight but just to measure out where the cross member and motor mounts go) then I can decide which way to go.
Also I have decided to use an electric fan and save myself the headaches of fighting for space. Once I get the motor and tranny placed (hopefully tonight but just to measure out where the cross member and motor mounts go) then I can decide which way to go.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
There have been a few members that have used a radiator from a late 70s Dodge. I believe that it fits into the stock core support. I'm not sure about the deflectors, though. The lower one would be usable, but not sure on the upper (hood) deflector.
Hopefully, someone with more experience on this issue will chime in soon.
Hopefully, someone with more experience on this issue will chime in soon.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
The Dodge radiator does fit the radiator support with minor fabrication. That's what I used. You can trim the lower V8 air deflector and use it with the Dodge radiator and the one in the hood can also be trimmed and used...
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Lethbridge AB
Excellent, then thats what I will use. And at least I can bolt it in and get some measurements. Thanks everyone once again for your help. I will let you know when the next problem arises....
Remi
Remi
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
Couple of thoughts/questions
Can somebody put up a picture of the lower V-8 air deflector? I don't think mine has one.
I would like to have a mechanical fan, too, but don't have the clearance even with the core support in the forward holes.
Has anybody successfully drilled 3 more holes on both of the inner fenders that are even more forward and then made a new bracket for the bottom of the core support so the core support is even further away from the water pump? Just thinkin'
I would like to have a mechanical fan, too, but don't have the clearance even with the core support in the forward holes.
Has anybody successfully drilled 3 more holes on both of the inner fenders that are even more forward and then made a new bracket for the bottom of the core support so the core support is even further away from the water pump? Just thinkin'
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 1
From: peyton, colorado
I've got my radiator in the forward, 6 cylinder holes. It gives me just enough room to run a 16" spal fan without hitting the water pump. If I could move it a few inches farther forward that would let me run a deep shroud for better air flow on the highway.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Skandocious
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
May 25, 2010 03:59 PM
learpilot
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Aug 17, 2009 07:34 AM