Electric fans

[Porno Joe]

What kit are LBZ guys using?

Flex-a-lite kit says only good up to 2005, I've read this because the cooling stack is thicker? Can it be made to fit?

I'd rather buy a kit than piecing one together if possible

 

[sickdiesel]

Flex-a-lites will work on lbz, just need to mod the bracket a bit. Took all of 15 minutes. I run them on mine.

 

[07metallicgreen]

interested as well. how does the flex a lites cool? I don't dd my truck just play around on the weekends, pull, and race

 

[Porno Joe]

i know the flexalites will not flow as much as the stock mechanical fan, but from what i have been able to read by searching, unless you tow heavy, the fans should be fine to cool your truck.

 

[hondarider552]

Correct ^

 

[Porno Joe]

my other question for guys that run electric fans, what are you doing to the stock setup?

just taking the fan and clutch setup off and leaving the pulley? or removing everything and rerouting the belt?

 

[sickdiesel]

i just took off the clutch and fan, and left the pulley on.

 

[1pieceatatime]

i know the flexalites will not flow as much as the stock mechanical fan, but from what i have been able to read by searching, unless you tow heavy, the fans should be fine to cool your truck.

I basically found the same conclusions before I bought mine.
If I remember correctly, the Stock fan flows 9000cfm, while the flexalites only flow 6000.

FWIW, my LB7 was fine all winter with the V-plow on back and forth to work with my flexalite setup. Thats not really apples to apples with towing heavy, but I was a little concerned going into the winter.

 

[BALBZ]

Ford Taurus fans. They work great and would work even better if I ever finish my bracket and seal all the gaps between the fans and radiator. total cost for fans and controllers was under $250 if I remember correctly.

 

[Dozerboy]

I haven't been impressed with flex a lite sound pretty cheap.

Taurus fans IMO. My hold up is/was the controllers available I wasn't real happy with whats out there. Ben was going to build a better one, but I don't think it every panned out. Maybe if some people show interest in it again it will move back up his list.

 

[Harbin_22]

My only complaint with my flex a lite fans, they rattle when the are starting up. Once they get going, they are fine. Just a little annoying.

 

[Harbin_22]

Trans temps will be a little higher while idling in traffic too since you aren't moving any air. I hooked up a switch so I can turn them on whenever I want, so if I get in traffic, I just turn them on

 

[Bustedknuckles]

Ford Taurus fans. They work great and would work even better if I ever finish my bracket and seal all the gaps between the fans and radiator. total cost for fans and controllers was under $250 if I remember correctly.

Off what year Taurus? And how well does your ac work at idle?

 

[Dozerboy]

Here is a detailed thread. You should wire them so one fan at least is on while the AC is on. Other guys I have talked to havn't had any trounble with the AC even in the TX summers.

 

[MFDinosaur]

My pinion is that the AC was better than stock. These fans will draw more air through at idle. My controllers run at 50% when AC compressor is on.

 

[WisconsinHick1]

What's the best controller? I have a set of used flex a lites that will be going in my new truck.

 

[MFDinosaur]

I'm partial to Delta Current Control (Two FK-35) controllers, I've had the same controllers on my truck since 2007. They don't make what I use anymore, but have a single controller FK-85 for 2 fans. They also have a relay based controller. Others have had good luck with Hayden Controllers and 50 amp relays. I'm sure there are other options as well.

Delta Controllers FK-85 are PWM controllers that send pulses to the fans to control the speed variably. They are more expensive than other controllers and the wiring will be messier looking. Customer service during the purchase is non-existent, but good support after you get them.

Hayden or other controllers that require the use of relays will cause the fans to run 100% when on. They will be less expensive to set up.

I'm not sure what the most recent model numbers are so, I can't quote you any.

Make sure whatever controller you buy has AC Input or possibly an additional input to manually control.

 

[DaJokr]

Sorry to sound like an idiot here, but what's the point/advantage to removing the stock fan and running electrics instead?

 

[Dozerboy]

Mileage and power

 

[MFDinosaur]

Sorry to sound like an idiot here, but what's the point/advantage to removing the stock fan and running electrics instead?

There's a small bump in mileage and HP due to not turning the big fan all the time. The AC is better at idle and stationary due to more airflow through the stack, but that probably won't matter to you in BC. You will never hear the howling of the big fan again. You can turn the fans on before you get to a big hill or when the temps start to creep up if you're towing.

These fans will NOT move as much air as the stock mechanical fan, so there are disadvantages too. Some temps like trans temps will be higher and you have compromised your total cooling capacity so you should not tow real heavy. I've towed up and down the east coast with a 12K fifth wheel, 4 people, 86 gals of fuel, firewood, etc... with no issue, but I have a LB7 which are notoriously cool-blooded. I'd be more cautious if I had one of the newer duramaxes, especially a LLY, which are prone to over-heating.