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  •  » Lower Radiator Hose

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    4/10/2025 6:23 PM  #1

    Chelby-Ann
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    From: Mocksville, North Carolina
    Registered: 4/07/2013
    Posts: 169

    Lower Radiator Hose

    I’ve had a universal ribbed radiator hose on my 302V8 for the longest time and now one of the ribs has developed a leak.
    I am having a hard time figuring out what  pre-molded  hose that will fit my set up.
    Both the radiator and water pump outlets are on the drivers side.
    Any chance someone knows what hose I need. I hope the pictures help.


     

    4/10/2025 7:18 PM  #2

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,452

    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    I saved the stickers from the hoses that fit my swap, but that one did not survive the house move.
    I seem to remember it was a top hose from a 6 cyl bronco

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    4/10/2025 8:37 PM  #3

    GPatrick
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    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    For a driver's side lower radiator hose I have used the lower hose from a 1970 Mustang or Maverick with a 302.  https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=2364&cc=0&pt=10068&jsn=6  I used it on my 66 with a reverse rotation pump setup and bought the same one for a hot rod project with a 1970 Mustang V8 radiator.  
    Since I'm using a serpentine setup (same as a 5.0 swap) I use a 90 degree thermostat housing and the lower hose from a 1986 Bronco II 6 cylinder manual for the upper.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C2WCJI?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0   I had to trim one end about 2" and it fits perfect.

    I found the hoses here in post 5 - =13pxhttps://stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/5-0-swap-radiator-hoses.784676/

     

    4/10/2025 10:40 PM  #4

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
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    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    Well, now I know my memory is umm ... not reliable. 

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    4/11/2025 5:07 AM  #5

    TKOPerformance
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    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
    Posts: 7,673

    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    What I've done in the past is measure the needed diameter of both ends, and then bend a piece of heavy wire into the shape needed,  I take that stuff with me to the local NAPA and they let me poke around the hoses until I find what I need of something I can reasonably modify into it.  Then, as 50vert says save the sticker or keep a book of what part numbers work on your rigs. 

     

    4/11/2025 6:37 AM  #6

    Chelby-Ann
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    From: Mocksville, North Carolina
    Registered: 4/07/2013
    Posts: 169

    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    I should mention that both my ID's need to be 1.75.
    I appreciate the feedback so far, but those will not work.
    I'm hoping to solve this soon.
    I'll keep looking.

       •Thread Starter
     

    4/11/2025 8:12 AM  #7

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,792

    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    Chelby-Ann - Just curious, do you have some custom or a unique radiator/engine combination that the stock replacement hoses will not work?

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    4/11/2025 8:24 AM  #8

    GPatrick
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    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    I went out and checked the lower hose I referenced above.  I had only checked it for shape and sure enough it fits the shape but I also need 1.75 on both ends.  In order of trial and error I'm going to try this first -

    =13pxhttps://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=2322&cc=1132467&pt=10068&jsn=1469 which is a 1970 302/351 lower

    And I'm next going to try hopefully a lower cost version of this -  Maverick 6 cylinder 1970 - https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=346039&cc=1132074&pt=10068&jsn=741

    Both of these are 1.75".  The Gates is molded but is listed as cut to fit for the Mustang.  The big block options are 2-1/16 on one end so too big.
     

     

    4/11/2025 8:26 AM  #9

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,013

    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    If you can’t find a molded hose and you had reasonable service from the ribbed one  . . . . .

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    4/11/2025 3:23 PM  #10

    Chelby-Ann
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    From: Mocksville, North Carolina
    Registered: 4/07/2013
    Posts: 169

    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    Thanks for all of your support and guidance. The GANT 20609 worked. Ordered it from O’Reillys and had it at the store in 4 hours. Back on the road again!

       •Thread Starter
     

    4/11/2025 3:57 PM  #11

    GPatrick
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    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    Gant or Gates?  I ordered the Gates 20609 from Rock Auto today and can't find the Gant part.

     

    4/11/2025 4:09 PM  #12

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,469

    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    70 Mustang 302 or 351w.
    If you have power steering the V8 Maverick 302 lower hose has a little better belt clearance.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    4/11/2025 7:25 PM  #13

    Chelby-Ann
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    From: Mocksville, North Carolina
    Registered: 4/07/2013
    Posts: 169

    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    GPatrick wrote:

    Gant or Gates?  I ordered the Gates 20609 from Rock Auto today and can't find the Gant part.

    Sorry GATES

       •Thread Starter
     

    4/16/2025 5:57 PM  #14

    GPatrick
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    Re: Lower Radiator Hose

    I cut 1" off the engine side of the 20609 and 1/2" off the radiator side and I have a perfect lower hose for the 302 turbo engine in the 46 Ford project I'm building for a friend.  The Ranger hose fits perfectly for the upper.  Finally a 2 steps forward and only 1 step back day.

     

     

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