autozone radiator, fan issues

[smokibones]

I replaced the old radiator in my 81 CJ7 with a new one from Autozone. It bolts in fine, but now I can't get the original fan / clutch to mount. Not enough space to slide the fan/clutch assembly onto the pulley bolts.

Should I just replace the old fan / clutch with a new 6-blade flex-a-lite and just bolt it on and lose the clutch??

 

[Hedgehog]

Take out the radiator, yep undo what you've already done. Put on the fan and clutch. Put the shroud over the fan. Put in the radiator, bolt up the shroud. Easy enough, that is if the fan clears the radiator, it should without problem.

 

[oss]

measure the set-back on the radiator. I had the same problem, but I ended up ordering a welded aluminum radiator off e-bay for less.

 

[gert]

Take out the radiator, yep undo what you've already done. Put on the fan and clutch. Put the shroud over the fan. Put in the radiator, bolt up the shroud. Easy enough, that is if the fan clears the radiator, it should without problem.

X2 on this provided it fits in the first place freaking autozone

 

[wm69]

This is a really common problem with aftermarket radiators. If you look at the backspacing of the replacement vs the original, you'll likely find the replacment has the mounting brakets spaced too far rearward. If you have a decent welder or radiator shop in the area they can remove and reposition the brackets on the replacement radiator to make it fit. It's a pain, but MOST replacment radiators have the same problem, so any time you order one it's a crapshoot.

 

[Hedgehog]

I speak from experience too. As with everything else on the'75, The Witch needed a new radiator, along with the fan shroud, which went in front of the replacement engine and I could go on and on with a list of replacement parts behind that. .... my radiator came from AutoZone, it was a perfect fit, but as the OP found out replacing it requires things to be done in a certain way.

 

[smokibones]

Take out the radiator, yep undo what you've already done. Put on the fan and clutch. Put the shroud over the fan. Put in the radiator, bolt up the shroud. Easy enough, that is if the fan clears the radiator, it should without problem.

Did all that. Still doesn't clear, but only by 1/4". Maybe I can find a clutch that doesn't have a 2 1/2" spacer that bolts onto the engine block pulley…..

 

[Tommy]

I had the same problem with my '81 CJ5 . I reversed the clips for mounting the radiator to the outside of the sheet metal instead of the inside. I also put in a 1/4" spacer between the radiator and the sheet metal where it's bolted on. So far so good and I was able to keep the original clutch and fan assembly. Just needed some longer bolts and the spacers. I did this because I went from the original 2 core radiator to a 3 core. If you want I can try and post a picture.

Tommy