Mike,

Did you end up trying it w/o the clutch fan? If so, this fellow 3.7L quad cab is wondering how it went.

 

i use a large electric fan from a 96 crown vic, and relay on a automatic thermostat kit you can get from any auto parts store. i had a 16" fan from auto zone, it was WAY to loud and not big enough.
the crown vic one is massive, quiet and only has a power and ground wire, very easy to hook up..

 

I don't want to sound naive (although I am), but how easy is it to get at these things for removal?

Do I need to remove the entire front clip? Do I need to take the engine out to perform the removal?

Just curious if this is something that can be done with minimal tools and effort, (ie DIY) or do I need to have this done at the shop?

 

i used a strap wrench, some people have been lucky enough to get by with a crowbar. all you need to do is remove the shroud, block the pulley from turning (with a strap wrench or crow bar if your lucky) and break loose the big nut on the fan with a big-*** crescent wrench.

 

I just thought i'd add, Ive had my clutch fan off for the whole summer, and Ive never had the temp guage go above halfway. I do have a 180 t-stat though. And this was sitting in a parking lot in 95 degree weather eating ice cream for 15 minutes.... the e-fan will keep it cool enough.

 

Okay, thanks for the details.
might attempt that this weekend.

 

just take a c clamp and wedge it on the water pump and get your big F'in Crescent wrench and turn to the left. Easy as cake!

oh and u dont have to take off the shroud, i didnt have to and i have a v8

 

I dont know what year it was, but somewhere along the line the extended the shroud further into the engine bay. My 01 you have to take off the shroud to get to the fan nut... it couldve been 01 when they did that.

 

Wink,
Did you see a decrease in your mpg when you put the 180 thermostat on? Another member said he saw a decrease and he started saying that it was because the engine is able to get to the appropriate temperature to maximize fuel mixture.

Also, which motor is yours?

Thoughts?

**Edit**

What used efans would work well under our shrouds?? I think a 2 speed would be best. A lower speed to kick on around 180 and a higher speed to kick on when the a/c is on. What kind of models have efans like these that I can salvage one out of? I think the mid 90s Taurus does. Others?

 

ive always gotten really crappy mpg, I dont think the t-stat made it any worse... I have a 3.9