2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission radiator block off/fan removal specifics

[TLanier]

i want to remove my fan and block off the radiator as suggested in the forum for winter. i have read alot of posts, but just want some clarity on a couple things.



1) do i have to take the shroud off to get the fan out, and does that need to come out anyway?



2) i see that the a/c relay needs to be disabled. is the absence of a fan only a prob with the a/c at idle, so i can run the a/c a little once a month to keep it lubed while running, just not at idle?



3) how does one make a cover for the radiator? i was thinking of using some plastic or sheet metal. should i leave a hole for the radiator and/or intercooler? what size and what location? anyone have any specs, plans, or specifics?



thanks

 

[JFaughn]

I've being putting card board infront of rad. behind ac rad and cut a 4-6" hole in middle then ac not a prob. [ its not to use it once and a while] it comes on when you use defrost to take moister out of pass. compartment.
Then to do the fan go to one of the tool trucks or and automotive tool place there are some wrenches that help to take off and remeber that the nut is left hand , not righty tighty lefty lucy. and when you put it back on screw on all the way and the eng will torq it for ya.

 

[TowPro]

On my 98 I tried the cardboard route, but it was marking up my which ever cooler was in front. I bought Lund cold front covers (plastic pieces that fit into grill), they made a good difference, but the temp gauge would always read much hotter then it really was outside. I then drilled a 3/8" hole through the cold front in front of the temp pickup, problem solved.



Keep in mind your also blocking your intercooler with the cardboard. You want to keep it open to keep the boost air temps down.



I left the fan on also.

 

[mwilson]

I remove the fan and pull the fuse under the hood for the a/c clutch as pulling the relay can generate a code. A/C clutch will not do that. The fan will come out without removing the shroud. Just keep hold of the fan with both hands and gently work it up out of there. Keep it towards the drivers side and work and turn it so that you put the upper radiator hose between two of the blades and swing it up out of there. My 98. 5 is a lot tighter fit than the 94 but still will come out. Have only put cardboard in when it is going to be -10 below or more for any length of time. When I do put a hunk in there it is between the radiator and the aftercooler.

Mike

 

[Stamey]

My winter front is a piece of plastic shower paneling. I bought a 4' x 8' piece from Home Depot and cut it to 36" x 20. 5", then put an 8" round hole right in the middle, to let the fan clutch breathe. This is the first run with this setup. I used to use the largest 'For Sale' sign I could get at Home Depot and just drop it between the intercooler and the radiator. Some folks said I could be causing unnecessary stress on the fan blades as I only blocked 2/3 of the radiator that way.

This new setup fits perfectly in front of the radiator. I can get 4 of them out of a piece of that paneling, so I have enough for my 2 trucks and Dad's truck too.



Chris

 

[TLanier]

thanks mwilson and stamey, those are the specifics i needed. i appreciate that.