Upper Radiator Hose

[84tony]

What upper hose or combination of hoses are you guys using for (5.0 w/explorer FEAD) and an 91-94 explorer 4.0 HD radiator in a first Gen? I bought an 97 Explorer upper hose but the radiator end was to big (1 1/2" ID), radiator inlet (1 1/4" OD)? I see that the foxbody mustang 5.0 upper hose is 1 1/4" at the radiator, anyone tried this upper hose?

 

[19Walt93]

I have a 351 with a Griffin radiator and made my upper hose by splicing 2 hoses together. I think the fox Mustang hose was 1 1/4" ID at the radiator- which was too small for mine. If you can tolerate it, they make sleeve type adapters to slide onto 1 1/4" nipples and use a 1 1/2" hose. You get bonus points for not using a universal flex hose.

 

[84tony]

That might be what I need. I don't like the universal flex hose either. Trying to make it look mostly lake a factory install.

 

[Shran]

Slightly different setup here - I have a 302, Duff/Northern radiator and '89 Crown Vice FEAD. I used the factory hose from the Crown Vic and shortened the radiator end of it. Fits great. YMMV.

I did have to use a flex hose on the bottom. At the time I had nothing close on hand and couldn't find anything easily at the parts store.

 

[19Walt93]

That might be what I need. I don't like the universal flex hose either. Trying to make it look mostly lake a factory install.

I know what you mean. I took my Ranger to a car show Saturday and it didn't get much attention because I tried to make the 351 look like it belonged in there and didn't stick a bunch on

bling on it.

 

[Angie]

bonus points for not using a universal flex hose.


whats wrong with these if there are no other options to make it fit? After searching for hours to find the proper combinations I gave up and used 1.

 

[Shran]

bonus points for not using a universal flex hose.


whats wrong with these if there are no other options to make it fit? After searching for hours to find the proper combinations I gave up and used 1.

There's nothing wrong with using them and there is no difference in lifespan of the part either. Some people think it makes it look like you cheated or cut corners on the install. I could care less. In my mind, if you spend 20 hours tracking down and cutting up a specific hose and then it fails for the next owner, they're going to struggle finding one that fits. Or they could just replace your universal hose with... another universal hose... and be back on the road in 20 minutes.

 

[Angie]

thanks shran, was wondering there, as my engine for some reason with the angles they are a strange set-up. could just be as I have it placed. Works good for what I need it to do. cheers

 

[84tony]

My concern was mostly cosmetics, nothing wrong with flex hose, I just don't like the look, but I may end up using it for the upper hose. I am using flex hose for the bottom hose. I don't really like the idea of splicing two factory hoses together either. Just trying to see if anyone had a single hose that fit with no or very little modification to give it a factory installed look.

 

[SMUTCO70]

Mine has 4 core griffin radiator w/ 98 explorer engine and has a flex hose on the bottom and a top hose from a econoline van from late 90’s(not sure the year ,found in junkyard) for my top hose with some trimming .

 

[19Walt93]

I just don't like flex hoses, they're OK for a temporary fix if you get a leak away from home. I also don't like the $.99 bolt on battery terminals, mismatched gauges, tires that stick out beyond the fenders, and Ford distributors installed so that the advance diaphragm doesn't point pretty much straight ahead. I figured out the shape my upper hose needed and spent time going through hoses at NAPA. If you choose to use a flex hose it will certainly work, I will also certainly not like the way it looks. I'm retired so I don't have to please a boss or customers anymore, I can spend extra time to get something to fit the way I want. You should build your truck the way you want it.

 

[DILLARD000]

How about considering StainlessFlex radiator hoses?
Did this a while back along with upgrade from stock PlasticTanked 2Core Radiator to new AllAluminum 4Core Radiator;
were easily bent+routed+cut with short pieces of stock RubberHose for connecting sleeves + doubled up WormClamps.
I believe they actually slightly increase the capacity of the radiator, as she runs nice+cool in summer heat & slow traffic.
They look good as well.

 

[Ramcharger90]

I used a 4.0 rad with my 5.0 and I used one for a 1990 foxbody 5.0

 

[Ramcharger90]

 

[84tony]

Ramcharger90, can you take a picture more from the side of the truck so I can see what kind of clearance you have between end of the water pump and the radiator. I may have to move my engine back a little I don't think I have as much clearance as you do.