Replacing a 96 Ford Explorer radiator

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WillieC - 13 Jun 2005 17:50 GMT

I have a 96 Ford Explorer with a 5.0 engine and I have a small leak in my
radiator. It is not running hot but the resevoir is empty in 3 days. I
purchased a new radiator but to save on labor expenses, I choose to do the
work myself. Any instructions on how to replace it will be appreciated.

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To Arms!! - 14 Jun 2005 04:03 GMT

>I have a 96 Ford Explorer with a 5.0 engine and I have a small leak
>in my
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> work myself. Any instructions on how to replace it will be
> appreciated.

My son and I replaced my radiator in my 96 Explorer that also at the
5.0L. It was a real bitch.
The difficult part was getting the air conditioner condenser off of
the radiator - and then getting the condenser
back on the radiator. Ford could have done a much better design job
to make a radiator r&r much easier.
Other than the condenser, it was a easy job.

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Steven Hilgendorf - 14 Jun 2005 16:41 GMT

> Ford could have done a much better design job to make a radiator r&r
> much easier. Other than the condenser, it was a easy job.

It appears as though Ford may have. My 1998 Ford TSP Workshop Manual
shows that the A/C condenser 'slides into locators' molded into the
radiator frame. That is, the condenser clips on the radiator.

Good luck,

Steven

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Fred 2 - 18 Jun 2005 05:56 GMT

FYI: That is the same way the A/C is mounted to the radiator on a 96
Explorer 5.0, As also stated in my '96 factory Explorer service
manual.

I too had to change the radiator on my truck and it was a hassle. The
main problem is having to slide the condenser off the radiator when
there is not much space for later movement in the first place.

What Ford should have done was to separately mount the A/C condenser
the radiator support frame directly like on other cars I have worked
on.

Having the A/C condenser mounted to the radiator may be convenient at
the assembly plant but is a real hassle during service

>It appears as though Ford may have. My 1998 Ford TSP Workshop Manual
>shows that the A/C condenser 'slides into locators' molded into the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
>Steven

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