The problem that I got is that I'm putting a 7.3 into a 78 f-250 supercab. The frame is narrower then the 88 f-250 that I got the engine out of. The radiator is just about as wide as the frame. The radiator would slide in between the frame rails if the top and bottom flanges of the frame wasn't there. I cannot cut the flanges off, becauce of my front leaf spring hangers are wright below where the radiator would sit. I cannot just put the radiator above the frame because it will hit the hood.

So what I have plained is that I will move the radiator forward about eight inchs to get in front of the spring hangers. To do that I would have to add about a foot of frame rail to the truck. Instead of the flanges pointting in, I will point them out. This would allow me the room to mount the radiator. But I think this will cause problem with the fan.

The radiator will be to far from the fan to cool it. I 'm wondering what you think I should do. This is the ideas that I got so far.
1.) Mount a electric fan on the radiator.
2.) Build a new shroud from the radiator to meet the OEM fan.

If any one can help, I'm all ears I look threw some of the forms about electric fans and I'm shore that I can make it work. I don't know if it would save me any HP, but It has to work. I plain on using this truck to tow and I need it to cool down on the long pulls.
Thanks

 

There were two different radiators, which one do you have?

 

Will I don't know which radiator that I have but this is the mesurent that I got. The core of the radiator is about 31" W x 24" L x 3" D. The top and bottom tanks added to that bring the size to 34 1/4" W x 31" H. Also that adding in the straps going down the sides. I think it is a 4 core radiator.

I also think that I might of found the part number of the radiator. Here it is,
EDE3TH TB
M614 AM
069 88 B
If that means anything to you.
Thanks

 

15.5" tall x 37" wide x 2.25" thick is one of them, three core
23.5" tall x 30.5" wide x 2.25" thick is the other, four core

Those measurements are for the actual core size.

 

Ha dave,
From what your telling me, the radiator that I have is the second one with four core. I measured agian, an it matches up with the size of the second radiator core you talked about. With that out of the way do you think that the OEM clutch fan will work wright if I build a new shroud to meet the fan? Or, do you think that the heat coil on the front of the fan is to far away from the radiator? I put the radiator in the place that I think that it is going to sit. It 11 1/2" away from the front of the fan. It seem to far away for me.
With that you say about this other radiator. That might work for me too. If it's only 15" high in the core and the tanks only being 3" tall. That put that radiator about 22" Tall. That could put the radiator back in the spot it ment to be in and my cooling problem is solved. Do the tanks sit on top and bottom or are they on the sides?
The only problem I see with the 15" x 37" core, is that the core size over all is smaller. Will I have a cooling problem when I'm towing hard?
Thanks

 

Do anyone think if the OEM fan sits 11 1/2" away from the radiator. An if I build a shroud to spand take space between the two. Would it work the way it ment to. Or should I Put electric fans on the radiator.
Thanks

 

I would do the shroud extention, but some serious bracing would be wise. Do you really think that frame will hold up to the 1000lb+ engine sufficiently.

 

Have you given any thought to having a custom rad built? Made from Aluminum, the right shop could make you something that would fit and cool. The tanks could be made to match your frame.This might be a little more in cost but would save time and effort down the road. You could then use your stock fan and shroud setup. Just a thought...Don

 

My brother in law and myself are running into a similar project but with a 71 F-250. We decided it was easier to remount the cab onto 88-91 vintage 250/350 frame. Since it is 3.5 inches wider and the rear cab mount actually is almost on the the spot from the 71 frame. You can make and frame/cab mount you need or want. We also decided the 88-91 frame was designed for diesel applications and when you put them side by side well it speaks for itself. Somethings that were older were better then in other ways they were not. But in retrospect the cabs in 71 were stiffer and heavier so were are hoping for a nice summer runner 71 on an 88-91 frame 4x4 7.3L (Rather have a 6.9L but this is a spare).

 

Extend the fan shroud, I tried electric fans and was not happy, neither was the motor when loaded.
I would check out the frame rail thickness, the diesel motor was on a F350 frame even in the 250 line.
The LD F250 frame is only about 60% as thick as a diesel HD frame.

 

Let me first say that, I'm not saying that your wrong dave. But I did some checking of the frame rails of the 88 f-250 pickup that I got my diesel out of. The frame rails where as thick as my 78 f-250, A 1/4 of a inch. Also if you look at both of the frame side by side. The 78 frame look to me to be stronger as it is all box in at the engine. The 88 don't have any boxing of the frame. Only in front of the crossmember that goes under the engine. I don't know anything about using a f-350 frame with the diesel engine. If that is wright then my 78 f-250 is as thick as a 88 f-350.
All that I know is that the truck was well used in its life. The man that I bought it off of is a full time farmer and he used it well. Also, the owner before him is a family member of mine and he used it as the truck he towed his fifth wheel travel trailer around with. If it didn't brake with them, then its not going to brake for what I'm going to use it for.
Also about the fan problem. I going to try to make the electric fans work. I got two fans from a ford contor and I going two give it a spin.
Thanks for your insight.

 

You may not have enough fan. I am using two Flex-lite cyclone fans that are 2500 CFM a piece.. They are the same fans that they have in kits that fit late model Fords Chevies and Dodges with diesel motors.

Good luck with those fans, Let us know how they do..

Your frame is strong enough. 460's aren't lightweights and they do fine in those frames.