Yeah, i wonder why they did that as pretty much everything out there uses electric fans..
The mechanical fan is more efficient at high flow (like you need for a loaded truck). Electric fans are pretty much a requirement for most vehicles these days, which use a transverse mounted front wheel drive configuration, so a mechanical fan isn't really a practical option. (Because a mechanical fan would be pointed at the side of the car instead of the front.) In cases where a mechanical fan is an option, an electric might still be preferred if you don't need to move as large a volume of air; traditionally, the electric fan would have less of an impact on engine power. Clutch systems like the one in the ranger make the fan more efficient than systems where the fan always run at engine rpm--but it's a more complicated and expensive solution than an electric fan, and if you don't need the mechanical fan for peak cooling, it makes sense to just go with the electric.
it will spin when you have your A/C on or defrost only.
