I have just encountered a prob with my Radiator to motor there is prob 2-3 inches of clearance. This is with the stock radiator and I am planning on running a be cool or something to help keep the 5.0 cool. What I was thinking of doing doing is to either move the grill forwardso there is enough room for a electric fan or I was thinking of recessing the radiator farther into the grill buy cutting the latch out and running the rad against the grill slates. Has any one done any of these. Pics? Suggestions?

I have a 351w in my 65 cj. My rad is right against the grill. Only problem is that I hav to run a narrow rad to fit between the headlights, you should not have this problem if you have a 72 up. I think you get like 6 more inches to work with. If you do need to use a narrow rad I found the one for a 68 mustang fits perfect. I have a three core copper that keeps the 351w cool. I can't run thru the mud for long times, but I can idle all day with out it get even close to hot.

I don't have any pics, but I can get you some in feb if you still need them.

Could u get me some dimentions for that rad. I have a 72 5 but I think lights might be a prob also. What are u running for a fan I need to run an electric.

I have an electric on it, I can get you the size when I get home on the 3rd. Or you can have them look it up, it's out of a 68 mustang with 289. You will need one from a 302. 289 and 302 water pump outlets are on the oppisite sides.

I have a friend that lost clearance when he added the Chevy Big Block to his Wrangler (yep a 454). He moved the radiator forward, cut the latch out and had his hood pop up on him one day. You don't notice that a double latch system is good till one of the latches is missing.

Sorry no pics and he sold the Jeep a few years ago.

BTW His Wrangler would beat his wifes Z28 in a drag race.

If anyone ask why he used the big block, just because he could. He is/was a Chevy mechanic and had the motor laying around, so why not?

Steve G

I don't think the hood flying open will be a prob I plan on running hood pins and possibly a fiberglass hood. Any one have any more suggestions?

I ran a postal grill on a 76cj which gave me lots of room .

yeah you gain like 5-6 inches if you run a postal grill. I know Bill Levenhangen (i think that's how it's spelled) has one and he crammed a mopar 440 (I think) into his CJ-8