Recommendation for a 1997 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel and Mounting a Derale 20 Rigid Belt Driven Fan  

Question:

Expert Reply:

According to my contacts at Derale the 20 inch Rigid Steel Blade Race Fan # D17320 can not be mounted to a fan clutch, it is considered a rigid mounting system. This fan is considered a standard rotation, has a maximum rpm rating for up to 8,000 rpm.

However, if you would like to consider a fan that will mount to your fan clutch, then you would need the # D17120. This style of fan would mount to your existing fan clutch, and would not need a spacer for mounting. It is also a standard rotation style of fan. Note the difference in the center hub and mounting location, when compared to the fan that you referenced.

Furthermore, my contact at Derale indicated that they have had very positive feedback from Dodge diesel owners, that have been using these style of steel ridgid belt driven fans. They have been working great for cooling their trucks engines.

It is not recommended to remove your fan clutch and mount this fan to your water pump flange using spacers. If your fan was previously working, but it not cooling your engine efficiently, and if the fan itself is not damaged, you might consider replacing the fan clutch. This may indeed be the case especially considering the age of your truck, and if the fan clutch has not previously been replaced.

The specific fan clutch that is considered a fit for your vehicle is the # D22070. This fan clutch is a fit for the 1994 though 1997 Dodge Rams with the 5.9 diesel engine.

I have included links to the part referenced above for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H

0