Swapping The Fan Blade On My 1997 Ford Ranger 2.3L

Updated 07/08/2021 | Published 07/03/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Derale 15" Heavy-Duty, Stainless Steel Flex Fan, Black Hub - Belt Driven - 10,000 RPM

(2)

$91.33

Flex-a-lite 15" Black Magic Xtreme S-blade Electric Radiator Fan with Shroud - Reversible

(1)

$369.89

Question:

I have a 97 Ford Ranger with a 2.3 Engine. It currently has a 15” w/AC fan blade on it which is cracking apart. Would you know if this would be compatible to bolt up as well as fit in the stock fan shroud?

asked by: Shawn M

Expert Reply:

If the fan is cracking, the shroud is probably the next to go. Head gets to these older vehicles over time. I've had a 1988 Ranger with a swapped 4.0L and the fan was replaced for similar reasons. That being said, I highly recommend swapping out the whole assembly with something like this # FLX188. This way you don't run into any issues and have to swap parts again. I was happy with the whole assembly swap on my ranger and I think you will too.

I've found that replacing everything now prevents having to swap parts out later. In the long run it will save you time and hassle. Since the fan you're looking at # D17015 isn't technically a "custom fit" you may find that the holes don't line up that well and or the thread pitch may be a little different. I cannot confirm that the fan blade itself will for sure fit all the requirements needed for a proper install.

expert reply by: Adam E