HD fan clutch upgrade...

mrpeepers said:
i bought a torqflo heavy duty clutch and found the clearance was very high and would not fit without tilting the radiator. The fan blades also would not fit on the clutch without adding spacers/washers.

I went back to a torqflo standard clutch from autozone and that also requires a tilted radiator. At least I think so. The factory fan clutch has a lower clearance.
Click to expand...

The HD fan that fits the Cherokee is the OEM replacement from the 97-98 grand cherokee without the max cooling option. NO OTHER APLICATION WILL FIT! I did much research on this. It is Heavy Duty rated, and it is the exact bolt pattern for the pulley and the fan and fit perfectly as you can see from my photos. I don't see any other reason for it not to fit except you did not order the proper part. I have never heard of anyone having to move the radiator to replace the OEM cherokee part, and the NAPA part I used as an upgrade has the same dimensions except for the diamiter of the clutch.
 
rbarton said:
Just saw this thread and am a bit late but I wanted to ask you guys what your opinion is on an issue I just started having. Never done this swap and was about to since mine seems to be going. Not sure it's the fan though. The fan turns really slow when the engine in running and it is hitting the shroud to the point it sounds like bicycle spokes/cards kind of thing. But, the fan has tension when I turn the blade by hand which I thought was an indication that it isn't going? No leaking from the water pump and it isn't overheating (of course the electric fan comes on in Georgia summer heat. Do you think it is the fan clutch or should I look elsewhere? Thanks!
Click to expand...
These are the most common symptoms of a failed fan clutch:
  • Leaking fluid - Oily build up around the bearing or thermal spring.
  • Bad bearing - Seized, turns rough or has excessive play, (more than 1/4" at fan tip).
  • Worn thermal spring - Spring is loose.
Some fan clutches will show no visible indication of a problem yet may still be faulty. The following may also indicate a faulty fan clutch:
  • Fan spins excessively - Three or more times when hot engine is shut off.
  • Poor air conditioning - At low speed or excessive high side pressures.
  • Doesn't engage - Fan speed does not increase or "locks up" when the engine is hot.
  • Does not disengage - Fan clutch won't slow down when the engine is cold.
http://www.haydenauto.com/installation/faqs.htm
 
xj88superjeep said:
NAPA part #272310
Click to expand...
I suspected that mine was giving some grief (gets up to 230 in town sometimes), so I bought this and installed it this morning. Idle temps today were 200 or thereabouts, which used to be my highway temp. Highway temps are about 160 (!) so I'm guessing that my thermostat is staying open too long.

The big difference so far seems to be that the HD clutch activates a lot earlier. This is probably good for trail rigs and other jeeps that get put under load, but it seems to be overkill for street vehicle. I don't know if the lower temps make the ECM overcompensate to try and bring temps higher or if it relies solely on O2 sensor for determine temperature and mixture, so I can't really say.
 
No such thing as overkill when it comes to cooling. If you are all the way down to 160 on highway, then you need to get a new 195* stat, and your temps will be right where you want them all day... @200*
 
ifoundastick said:
I also did this and all i can say is wow. The only down side is that my jeep now sounds like a blow dryer and not a bad ass off road machine....
Click to expand...

Haha! I kinda like the sound... A deeper toned muffler can fix it up! LOL
 
I had upgraded my clutch and fan from a 95 up cherokee when I got the booster. Supposed to be a better fan and clutch. I think as GOJEEP or MADXJ said, can't remember. But the clutch def not locking. Parts america has them for about $37. Def going to try this out.
 
After running this mod for a few months, I have to say that I am 100% satisfied! My cooling system was a wreck when I bought the Jeep. I actually thought for a while that I would just have to live with temps around 220+ as a DD. I could not be happier with the performance of the cooling system since the HD clutch install in the beginning of summer. I ran my A/C on max on the hottest days, and my XJ actually ran COOLER with the air on because the clutch fan did such a great job that the e-fan just iced the cake with an extra degree or two of cooler antifreeze. I actually wanted to run my air to keep the truck running cooler! LOL SERIOUSLY! Good luck to anyone upgrading. You gotta get used to the the sound of a jet turbine under the hood, but I have loved that sound from the beginning because it makes it sound like a bigger motor. LOL At first I felt a little drag on the motor, but I don't know if the ECU is compensating for my lead footed driving habits or I am just used to it by now, but I notice lots-o-torque and not any drag any more. I am now able to wait until I have the money and motivation to upgrade to a brand new rad, and the MAC aluminum pressure tank. My cooling system is now complete and great, as is!
 
Did the swap with a new radiator two days ago and I'm "Very Impressed" Used the Advanced Auto one for $37.00 #215149.


Pulled my boat for over an hour and never broke 170. Think I'm going to need to replace the 160 t-stat with a 195 so I can bring it up to correct operating temps of 200. Especially before winter. I wouldn't have any heat.

Mike
Methuen, MA
 
Has anyone had a noticeable drop in power from this upgrade?
 
I thought I felt a small difference at first, but after having driven with it a while, she still jumps like a beast when I hit the gas, and I feel every bit of the power.
 
I put this fan clutch on today, part 272310 from Napa. I have a 3 core radiator.

The clutch seems to be slightly longer than the OE replacement one that was in there. I had to remove the upper tie bar from the rad support to fit it in.

Considering the 3 core rad and the fact that this one is slightly longer, there isn't much room. The fan is also hitting the shroud because its closer.

Anyone know of a shroud that has a bit more clearance? I attempted to dremel it out but that just resulted in a weaker shroud that the fan ripped the top off of.
 
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