1970 383 A31 4spd fan-clutch fan pulley question?

[DynaBro]

Other relevant stuff I have saved



This brings the issue of the spacer back. Which I am so certain I read about being part of the A31. This photo is my current and incorrect setup. The correct radiator and shroud are installed, but the clutch and fan are incorrect. I do not see how the torque drive clutch and 7 blade fan would mitigate the use of the spacer. The AI is giving me this for what it's worth:

Factory Spacer for A31 Setup

• Part Number: 1851959
• Exact Thickness: 1.06 inches (commonly stamped or cast as such on original pieces)
• This is the correct OEM fan spacer used with the Torque Drive viscous fan clutch (typically PN 2806070 or similar) and the 7-blade fan (e.g., 2863216).

Some references show the clutch providing most of the offset with minimal or no extra spacer, but the broadcast sheet code for the 1.06" spacer (often listed as "59" under FAN SPA) is the documented match for these high-performance cooling setups.

Best Reproduction Spacers (Closest to Factory)These match the 1.06" thickness and include proper hardware (longer bolts + washers):

• Mancini Racing or Roseville Moparts — Search for Mopar 1.06" or 1" fan spacer kit (they often stock or can source exact repros).
  
  ebay.com
• Universal Kits Closest to Spec:
  • Flex-A-Lite 1" spacer kit (very close; widely used on restored A31 cars)
  • Mancini Racing 1" or 1-1/4" universal aluminum kit

Recommendation: Go with a 1.00" or 1.06" aluminum spacer kit. This is the most accurate and commonly successful size for A31 383 cars with the 26" radiator and viscous clutch. Final Positioning Tip (Factory Spec)

• Fan blades should be roughly half in / half out of the shroud.
• Aim for ¾" to 1" clearance between the front of the blades and the radiator core.

Mine says FAN SPA 70 which = NO SPACER

And this page is where all the data is pulled

1970 Dodge Charger Registry

 

[SuperBeeFan]

A couple things I know go along w the A31 is your motor should be an F383HP stamp. It would have had 383 call outs, not SuperBee (I'm like 90% sure on that one). You should have one 6 and one 7 leaf spring on the rear counting the half leaves. A front sway bar. And your air cleaner would not have the Magnum stickers (although the motor is a Magnum). They came like this. And here's something else I had saved.

View attachment 2022740

View attachment 2022741

Hello DynaBro!
Sorry just following up. Appreciate your input and feedback as that’s great information on the A31 package’s like what we have. I didn’t forget about following up with the radiator- fan setup spacing. I decided to complete the leaf springs rebuild and doing the new brakes and and new brake lines replaced as well.

Next week or two I should be doing the radiator-fan-fan shroud install! Sorry to have kept you on hold. My work schedule has some more flexibility now and I can proceed!

 

[DynaBro]

Hello DynaBro!
Sorry just following up. Appreciate your input and feedback as that’s great information on the A31 package’s like what we have. I didn’t forget about following up with the radiator- fan setup spacing. I decided to complete the leaf springs rebuild and doing the new brakes and and new brake lines replaced as well.

Next week or two I should be doing the radiator-fan-fan shroud install! Sorry to have kept you on hold. My work schedule has some more flexibility now and I can proceed!

I took my parts out of the box and figured it out. The spacer IS the clutch.

 

[SuperBeeFan]

I took my parts out of the box and figured it out. The spacer IS the clutch.

Hello,
I’m sorry I didn’t quite get to that yet, part of actually installing the fan-clutch and new radiator. You’re a step ahead of me, as Km completely and redoing everything on our Bee. Definitely, from my research I discovered that the A31 cooling package DOESN’T include a spacer with the fan clutch. If you have the right correct water pump, the correct single fan pulley the the correct fan, and fan clutch and correct 26” radiator with correct fan shroud then everything should line up and the blades are half in the fan shroud and the half of fan blades sticking outside the fan shroud, everything should be good!

The other thing to consider, which is something I’ve never heard anyone really mention before in any posts about fan spacing with clutch fans; is the fact if someone had installed a different type of water pump for a 383, like say a water pump for a 383 truck or had a different kind of fan pulley that someone may have switched over the years. Because some of the different water pumps that can fit the 383, could have a long pump shaft neck that actually places the fan and or clutch closer to the radiator in the 70 Bee. Or let’s say a double pulley from a newer dodge rig.

Glad you’re still at it! Don’t let it get you down, as you’ll have your own nice ride and that you can be proud of! I’ll be be posting some new stuff shortly as I’m installing the new fuel tank, and stuff next week, then preparing the engine bay for new paint, then installing all the new radiator and fan stuff! after I’m rebuilding the passenger leaf springs now and then installing the new shocks on passenger side in the back.

Keep your head up, you’re doing a great job!
Ken