Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Broken cooling fan

[ichoplin]

I was replacing my fan clutch the other day due to my truck running warm while pulling my 34' fifth wheel thru the mountains of western Maryland.
When I removed my fan, I noticed that all but one of the blades were cracked at a rivet. I had this happen several years ago on a previous 02 Ram. Back then, I was able to buy a new fan from Dodge and be on my way. Now, this fan is NLA(no longer available).
I really feel I need to replace the fan before it slings a blade thru my hood.
I've seen the Flex-A-Lite fans mentioned, but not recommended for trucks that pull heavy loads, which I do.
Anyone have a source for this fan? Maybe share some insight as to why I've had two trucks with cracked fan blades? Anyone have a good/used one they'd be willing to part with?

Thanks,
Ian

 

[NIsaacs]

I show that fan still available, 52028893AA for $124.00 on line price. Try another dealer.

Nick

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

I agree with NIsaacs... Find another dealer!!

I just went through the same thing on my '92 last summer. I lost a blade and a rather large chunk of fan shroud on the driver side Local dealer in Casper, WY was able to get one the next morning, so I'm thinking that a part for a truck that is 10 years newer shouldn't be that scarce.

 

[RustyJC]

I've seen the Flex-A-Lite fans mentioned, but not recommended for trucks that pull heavy loads, which I do.

The Flex-A-Lite fans that replace the OEM fans are designed to flatten out the blades at high RPM to reduce the BHP required to drive the fan - good for drag racing, but the last thing you want when you're geared down with the engine revving to pull a heavy trailer up a steep grade. In that situation, you need the fan to move all the air that it can possibly move.

Rusty

 

[ichoplin]

Thanks for the replies. I have been looking for this fan for over a week now. I've called dealers from coast to coast. I've placed two orders with online Mopar parts sources only to receive emails that the fan is NLA. I did find two in California that included the hub and the clutch, for $650. Way out of my budget.
If you guys could show me a link to a site that still has some, I would be most grateful. Guess I'll keep beating the bushes.
Thanks for the info on the flex a lite fans too.
Ian

 

[RikDavis]

Does your local junk yard participate in a "locator system"?
That has often helped me find parts, and usually they will be delivered to your local yard