Hey guys, I've been a long time lurker, but this is my first post. I've got a 2000 Durango 4.7, and after reading threads about the clutch fan delete mod, I pulled mine out, and added a 180 t-stat. Loved the improvement, super happy with how it drove with it out.

I still have the factory e fan for when the AC is on or the coolant hits 216. My operating temps are fine here in Utah most of the year, until June-September comes around, when average temp is around 220 with the factory fan running all the time.

I go trailing and off reading in my nearby mountains in the summer, and the stock e fan doesn't cut it, it will go over 230+ even with the heater on full blast.

So that brings me to my questions...

What is the easiest way to keep things cool without a mechanical fan? I've seen mods for the jeep recall fan, but I'm not quite capable of making such mounts to mount said fan. I want to keep the stock coolant/washer fluid shroud, as I don't want to make things overly complex.

I've looked at flex-a-lite fans, but all the 16-17 inch fans that fit with the stock top shroud cost around $200 and they're only pulling 2500cfm. If I did get one, I have no idea on what controller I would get for it, I can't find any decent ones that tap into the coolant temp sensor; the radiator temp probes seems sketchy to me.

I'm looking for a simple, ideally plug n play fix, with as little mods needed as possible. Having it automatically turn on and off at adjustable temps would be ideal, but having a simple on/off switch would be ok too.

Pictures of any e fan setups using the stock upper shroud is welcome! Thanks guys!

 

I think I've seen pictures of the taurus fan under the stock 00-03 shroud. Don't remember where that was though.

 

For what you use your truck for, keep the mechanical fan, if it is going out, replace it with a standard heavy duty clutch, DO NOT USE THE SEVERE DUTY clutch.

The heavy duty clutch will disengage pretty quick so you don't hear the roar of the fan all the time. when it does roar, that means your engine is working extra hard and the mechanical fan has the means to keep it running cool.

Also, remember, when your truck reaches 210 degrees, your computer on the truck will put your engine in limp mode so major power drop as the computer is trying to prevent your engine from overheating.

 

Thanks for the advise, but I don't want to go back to a mechanical fan. The difference without it is too much better IMO to justify putting one back in.

Um, that's incorrect, at least for my year Durango. The stock fan comes on at 216 degrees or with the AC, and my Durango has been up to 230 without any drops in power like that. I see 210 at least once every other day....

 

the taurus fan or the chevy hhr fan fits on the radiator pretty good, are pretty cheap and easy to install, you still need a controller for them, popular ones are the SPAL controllers IIRC, i know there is a thread on installing the HHR fan in the 3rd gen dakota forum if you do a search.

however if i were you i would put that mechanical fan back in until i could get the electric one installed, 210 is borderline too hot (too hot for my comfort level with that engine) and 230 is WAY too hot for that engine, mine never went over 200 sitting in traffic w/ the a/c on in the summer. (factory t-stat too)

 

Running at those high temperatures can lead to a blown head gasket or crack head known on these generation mopar's. The OEM electric fan cannot handle the heat generated by my 5.9 when I am driving around town in very hot summer weather in Dallas. Will go around 215-220 with fan/ac running. Not good on my 5.9. Without a/c, it will hold it at 195 in summer.

Got my mechanical fan back on. Dumped my initial replacement severe clutch for a oem heavy duty clutch. Fan will roar on initial cold start up for about 1/4 mile and then completely dis-engage. Completely quiet and not rob any power from my engine.

Using my custom PCM tune, I had the oem electric fan kick on at 190 and off at 180 degrees.