Going to electric fan.
****************UPDATE************
Update ... I didn't like my " push into the radiator " style thermostat. It just was too inconsistent so I made my own last night. After reading up on it it seemed very easy. I ordered away from eBay and went over kill. I got 4 80amp relays( $13.00) 2- 210-195 thermostats ($10.00) connectors ($10.00) A 3/8 pipe thread tap. Wiring it up was super easy but the hard part was finding a spot to drill and tap a hole for the sensor. All in all it took less that a hour. less than $35.00 I made 2 VERY high draw electric fan controllers that are MUCH better than most you can buy !
Only the single speed 1997-1998 Lincoln Vlll 18" fan has worked for me in all conditions. ( I tried many)
THIS WILL ONLY WORK IF ONLY YOUR CLUTCH FAN IS THE ONLY PROBLEM !!!!
It will not fix overheating due to head gaskets,leaking,clogged radiator,bad thermostat,A/C, etc.
NOTE: Ford doesn't make them anymore so finding a new one might be a long search !
A Used one worked for me.
Tips... for installing a 1997-1998 Lincoln Vlll electric fan. (I found one at Pick your Part $30.00)
(DO NOT GO WITH A 2 SPEED UNIT OF OTHER MODELS, Couger, Taurus, T Bird, !!!!!! They are NOT the same CFM)
The Lincoln is a variable speed that can be controlled by a variable speed controller ( pricey) or a on/ off controller (Affordable)
I have only used the on/off version of controller.
I would only use the water temp sensor. The push into the radiator sensor is inconsistent. ( tried, it worked but didn't like)
I would recommend to install a transmission cooler at this point also. (you might be pulling the radiator a few times checking for clearance and with no transmission lines, it's a one minute job and it's a cheap win win.
Install a bigger alternator at this time also as it's easy to reach with the radiator out and needed ! $100.00
You can install a 40amp toggle switch to see if you like it 1st. ( I kept mine in to use as back up and use as needed )
You will need these parts. Maybe more!
1. 8 gauge wire in a few colors (black,red,yellow,white) and connectors. (butts,round eyes of different sizes)
2. 8 Radiator / Transmission cooler type zip ties.
3. A way to trim the composite fan shroud ( I used a grinder )
4. A drill to drill holes for mounting.
5. 40 amp toggle switch
6. 8 feet of 3/8 soft rubber hose. ( I used fuel line)
7. Super glue ( I used gel )
8. 8mm flat washers
9. 100+ amp alternator http://www.ebay.com/itm/130-AMP-ISUZ...fhPyxhQnygDOqA
You will need Pick out your quality of controller. Here is some ideas.
Hollister 3-relay kit, basic See website Hollister Road 69.95
Hollister 3-relay kit, best See website Hollister Road 114.95
Mark VIII fan plug See website Hollister Road 19.95
Delta PWM controller See website Delta Current 79.95
Spal PWM fan controller See website The Fan Man 138.00
Del City 50-amp breaker 71120 Del City 2.25
Installation..
Remove radiator. Remove fan and clutch,shroud.
Install 3 flat washers to the fan clutch studs and reinstall the nuts. Check to be sure pully is tight !
Install new alternator ( 100 amp or more is mandatory) this set up draws a lot of juice.
Install transmission cooler ( optional )
I installed fan to the far right (passenger) of the radiator for clearance of pulley and to let air flow by and cool on the freeway.
You will have to trim the ears off around the sides and trim the bottom of the shroud to clear bottom radiator tank and hose and to keep it flat.
Note: it must be as flat to the radiator as possible to keep the fan from rubbing the shroud. Check often during all of this.
Do a test fit. Just slip the radiator in, hold it while you set the fan in place, check clearance.
Once trimmed correctly, you are ready to insulate the shroud from the radiator with your rubber hose ( or your better idea ) I sliced one side of the hose and slipped it on all the way around the radiator side of the shroud, super glued it in place as I went. I also used a heat gun to form it around. If you don't have a good seal to the radiator you can run black duct tape around it to seal the shroud to the radiator as best as you can (or your idea) on final installment. But it does need a good seal.
Now you will need to make your 1/8" holes in the sides of the shroud to mount to radiator with radiator zip ties. ( I used 8 rubber washers fin side under plastic washers and 8 plastic washers on the shroud side ) they came in the kit.
Do a test fit again, check fan clearance.
If all is a go zip tie the fan to the radiator and seal it. SUPER GLUE the locking mechanism of the zip ties !!!! Trim off extra zip. ( I used 2 mechanisms on each )
Check fan clearance and Install the system back in.
At this point I ran 2 wires into the driver area and hooked a toggle switch to them, one wire to the power side of the fan and the other to the battery. Run the ground to the ground side of battery.
I used no fuses at this point.. Test.. go drive it.. turn it on and off and watch the temp gauge.. once satisfied you can wire in your choice of controller and install a 50 amp fuse for the toggle system and your done. Enjoy