Good Radiator for Ford Explorer 2002 V6 4.0

[robbiwan]

Hi All,

Need help. I am looking around for a new radiator for my ford explorer 2002
V6 4.0. Any recommendations on which radiators are good and will last?

I am also thinking of which 3 ton lift to buy. Are the craftsman 3 ton lifts worth buying since i plan to replace the radiator my self. Which do you guys think is a quality replacement fan?

I noticed my truck went to 3/4 when driving so i turned the heater on and it went back to the middle. When i opened the hood i noticed there is very small smoke coming of the left radiator and bubbles on top of my coolant tank.Any ideas?

 

[Number4]

Bubbles in the tank I believe are an indication of a blown head gasket.

Radiators have become a 'who's got the best price' game. Which means a lot has been sacrificed in the way of quality. Used to be that Modine was the way to go. I'd just say don't buy the one that's the best price, it'll most likely be the worst quality.

For a lift? I just bought the harbor Freight 2 ton on sale for $139. It was a great sale. But you don't need a lift to replace the radiator. Just remove the fan and shroud, then drop the radiator out the bottom. Putting it in is reverse. Just don't damage it. Can cover the core with card board.

But again, I'd make sure you don't have a head gasket issue.

 

[robbiwan]

Bubbles in the tank I believe are an indication of a blown head gasket.

Radiators have become a 'who's got the best price' game. Which means a lot has been sacrificed in the way of quality. Used to be that Modine was the way to go. I'd just say don't buy the one that's the best price, it'll most likely be the worst quality.

For a lift? I just bought the harbor Freight 2 ton on sale for $139. It was a great sale. But you don't need a lift to replace the radiator. Just remove the fan and shroud, then drop the radiator out the bottom. Putting it in is reverse. Just don't damage it. Can cover the core with card board.

But again, I'd make sure you don't have a head gasket issue.

I am going for the spectra. Heard it is good for the price. Thank you so much. You guys are a God Send!

 

[Exproblems]

Hi All,


I am also thinking of which 3 ton lift to buy. Are the craftsman 3 ton lifts worth buying

I am assuming when you say "3 ton lift" you mean a "floor jack" right? If so, I bought a "3 ton Pittsburgh Steel" floor jack from "Harbor Freight Tools" 2 years ago. It has dual pump pistons and a long handle for easy placement under the vehicle and works great. It has plenty of lift for our Explorers and the price was right, $76 out the door, tax included. I use it all the time with no problems.

 

[Number4]

Good call, I was thinking he meant cherry picker for some reason.

 

[robbiwan]

I am assuming when you say "3 ton lift" you mean a "floor jack" right? If so, I bought a "3 ton Pittsburgh Steel" floor jack from "Harbor Freight Tools" 2 years ago. It has dual pump pistons and a long handle for easy placement under the vehicle and works great. It has plenty of lift for our Explorers and the price was right, $76 out the door, tax included. I use it all the time with no problems.

Thank You. Harbor Freight Rocks!!!