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Unread 03-06-2012, 10:09 PM   #1
TMLoftis
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Ford contour fan swap questions

I'm looking for a complete shopping list for the contour fan swap for things in addition to the fan assembly. I haven't found it in searching but I'm sure there was one out there. But I'm looking for the simplest and cleanest install for an electrically handicapped person don't mid paying a little extra for quality but don't want to pay flexalite kind of money for it.

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Unread 03-07-2012, 05:30 AM   #2
bigredisb
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Probably the easiest route to without budget issues would be a fan controller from flex a lite. Some guys have been using another brand that escapes me right now but they are variable speed fan controllers with soft start to limit current spikes on startup. I wired both of my fans independently with relays in case one system failed so that I still have one fan. Check your alternator to see what the amp rating is. I upgraded to a 80 something to keep up with fans, lights, stereo amps and such.
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Unread 03-07-2012, 07:01 AM   #3
CSP
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DC Controls is the fan controller I would use. They are slow to produce once ordered (one man show), but they build a great fan controller.

http://www.dccontrol.com/selector.htm (the website has no frills)
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Unread 03-07-2012, 08:26 AM   #4
TMLoftis
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Ok so all I would need is the fan itself and a controller? And it'll be plug and play?
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Unread 03-07-2012, 09:10 AM   #5
CSP
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Kinda sorta. There aren't plugs necessarily, but it is very simple wiring.

You do need a temperature sensor and some kits may come with one. I would swap out the thermostat housing (if you have a 258 engine) and replace it with any '91-95 4.0 housing which has a threaded bung for a temp sensor.
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Unread 03-07-2012, 09:46 AM   #6
TMLoftis
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Ok so to my best under standing I would need,

The countour fan
The controller(does the flex a lite or the one you posted come with the sender?)
And preferably thermostat housing for a 4.0

And it'll be all I need?
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Unread 03-07-2012, 09:51 AM   #7
waterdowg
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Did you see these Threads
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/ne...-fans-1328685/
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/wi...ontour-861468/
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/co...ontrol-552543/
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/my...-swap-1164486/
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Unread 03-07-2012, 10:00 AM   #8
TMLoftis
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Yes, but I was more looking to see if a controller replaced the need for the rest of it and didn't find the answer in any of those.
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Unread 03-07-2012, 10:27 AM   #9
CSP
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You're looking to see if the controller replaced the need for what, specifically?

There are so many different ways to make this work that nobody really knows what you originally had in mind.

You can use an aftermarket controller to control the fans

You can use manual switches you throw yourself to control the fans

You can use the factory resistors to control the fans

You can just run them on high or low rather than using both speeds.

Etc. and so on......

Using an aftermarket controller is the simplest in terms of wiring, but you still need to have a sensor installed so that it knows that the coolant temperature is.
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Unread 03-07-2012, 10:31 AM   #10
LibertyJeeper
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You can get a cheap (~$35) kit that has the temp sensor you plug into the radiator fans. You can also just wire it up for manual control.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...mString=search
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Just keep in mind: things are never as bad as they seem. These are jeeps, built by man and any problems you come across can be solved by man - even you! Best of luck.
Looking for axles 4.10's or higher
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Unread 03-07-2012, 10:31 AM   #11
TMLoftis
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I was looking toward the controller to make it as easy as possible. I'm not sure if it replaces the need for relays and whatnot or if it was in addition to them.
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Unread 03-07-2012, 10:33 AM   #12
LibertyJeeper
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The auto zone controller has the relays and necessary wires in the harness. It is a pretty easy to install. If you are not confident just follow the directions provided in the kit. Once you get the experience go back and do some of the modifications laid out in the threads posted above.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by walkerhoundvm View Post
Just keep in mind: things are never as bad as they seem. These are jeeps, built by man and any problems you come across can be solved by man - even you! Best of luck.
Looking for axles 4.10's or higher
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Unread 03-07-2012, 10:59 AM   #13
TMLoftis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LibertyJeeper View Post
You can get a cheap (~$35) kit that has the temp sensor you plug into the radiator fans. You can also just wire it up for manual control.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...mString=search
I can't seem to get the link to work. Do you know which one you used?
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Unread 03-07-2012, 11:15 AM   #14
TMLoftis
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CSP View Post
DC Controls is the fan controller I would use. They are slow to produce once ordered (one man show), but they build a great fan controller.

http://www.dccontrol.com/selector.htm (the website has no frills)
With this controller which would be the one that would be applicable to me? And would they connect through the thermostat housing or would I need to supply that separate? I believe through the thermostat is the way I'll go.
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Unread 03-07-2012, 11:18 AM   #15
LibertyJeeper
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I don't remember the specific brand I used. I can get back to you when I go home.
I am pretty sure they are mostly the same. The one I have has a adjustable temp sensor that tells the fans when to go and off. I think Painless makes a bunch with fixed sensors.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by walkerhoundvm View Post
Just keep in mind: things are never as bad as they seem. These are jeeps, built by man and any problems you come across can be solved by man - even you! Best of luck.
Looking for axles 4.10's or higher
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