Reply To: 02 4.6L explorer fan clutch replacement

[Richard Kirshy]

If you mean the fan doesn’t fit into the shroud as the original one did this could pose a problem.
The back of the fan usually needs to be at least flush to the shroud.
https://flex-a-lite.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Clearances.jpg
If the fan is closer to the engine it will pull air in from the edge of the shroud instead of through the radiator.