Downside is the diesel radiator is expensive.
CK5
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'89 R3500 Crew Cab 2wd to 4wd conversion & beyond
- Thread starter mrk5
- Start date
Started out with 2wd TBI350 with SM465 to current 4wd with 454, 700r4, NP241
Truck looked good on the trail. It's fun being "the guy" that does the crawl & haul.
Truck looked good on the trail. It's fun being "the guy" that does the crawl & haul.
I agree with both your posts. I just need to remember to make those # crawl&haul stickers!
Lol, stupid iPhone.
But it deserved two posts. I love doing trail work while using the crawler. It's fun.
I figured you were after more likes.
I should also note that you need the diesel top mount/plate that bolts to the rad support and keeps the rad in place.
I've been researching radiator options today. I have indeed decided on the 34" core radiator @skunked. I was actually looking at what came in a 91 V3500 with a 7.4L and that's what is listed. Interesting because the 85 K30 my motor came out of lists a 28" core radiator. This will up the surface area of the core from 494sq-in to 655sq-in.
I think at this point I will use the Windstar fans. I did found some nice looking Derale 17" fans that would completely cover the radiator core using 2 of them. But they are way more money that the Windstar fans. My old K5 came with the 6.2L so I had a diesel radiator in it. I remember the Windstar fans worked fine on it even though they are a little narrower than the core, 29.5" on the fan shroud vs a 34" core width.
On another note, I decided to check the torque on the intake and exhaust header bolts since they've had several heat cycles now. The header bolts were still tight but the intake manifold bolts took some tightening to get back to 25ft-lbs. Also took some slack out of the nuts on the carb studs.
I must say so far I'm impressed with the Sanderson headers. No leaks and these are also the quietest headers I've had. Interesting because you don't install them with gaskets between the headers and the heads. The instructions have you put a bead of high-temp RTV on the mating surface and torque the mounting bolts to 15-20ft-lbs. I was dubious but I read several reviews that following the directions worked; guess they didn't lie.
I think at this point I will use the Windstar fans. I did found some nice looking Derale 17" fans that would completely cover the radiator core using 2 of them. But they are way more money that the Windstar fans. My old K5 came with the 6.2L so I had a diesel radiator in it. I remember the Windstar fans worked fine on it even though they are a little narrower than the core, 29.5" on the fan shroud vs a 34" core width.
On another note, I decided to check the torque on the intake and exhaust header bolts since they've had several heat cycles now. The header bolts were still tight but the intake manifold bolts took some tightening to get back to 25ft-lbs. Also took some slack out of the nuts on the carb studs.
I must say so far I'm impressed with the Sanderson headers. No leaks and these are also the quietest headers I've had. Interesting because you don't install them with gaskets between the headers and the heads. The instructions have you put a bead of high-temp RTV on the mating surface and torque the mounting bolts to 15-20ft-lbs. I was dubious but I read several reviews that following the directions worked; guess they didn't lie.
Love my windstar fans, and can't beat the price.
I remembered I tried running a single Volvo fan back when I first got the crew cab. It wasn't enough but I had purchased a spare so I have 2. They are 17" diameter so I could mount 2 on a shroud and cover the radiator. They are 2 speed so I could play around with setting them up in different configurations. And they are "free". Which good considering the big radiator sets you back $290; it's still copper & brass too.
the Windstars fit pretty good, they would be perfect if they were 3" taller.
I'm more worried about having enough passive airflow on the highway when the truck is loaded. The fans will cool it down well at low speed and idle. Except if I'm climbing a steep hill on the trail, that was my other issue.
This is probably the greatest idea I have ever heard.
https://ck5.com/forums/threads/1979-k10-swb.325718/page-5
Towards the end of the page the is a couple more pics and more info...
Towards the end of the page the is a couple more pics and more info...
Yes that's the idea. I'm fortunate to have access to sheet aluminum.
And brakes and shears and welders.
