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Help.... What parts did I use? Explorer Surp Hose and reservoir

swmrdrn

Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2017
Messages
141
If you are following along. Our bronco burned up lasts month and we are starting the rebuild process. I have good note on most the part numbers I used 10 years ago when I built it but there are a few gaps.

I used an Explorer front dress and now I can't remember what I did for the upper radiator hose. I searched CB for the part and can't seem to find it. I even found a picture from my post on here back in 2018 but it didn't have the part numbers. Can anyone tell me what combination of upper hose I used to make this hose?

Then the next big issue... what do I use to replace the melted power steering pump reservoir since the explorer one can't be ordered anymore?


IMG-1134-PNG.jpg


And that cheap radiator didn't last long. It was later replaced with a wild horses 3 pass copper/brass rad. That lived through the fire.
 

badandy73

Contributor
Broncoholic
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
218
For the reservoir, Lee's and a few others make nice tig welded tanks but they're $$$.

In the long run, you'd be better off converting it to a Saginaw pump and bracket.
 

Kalex

Contributor
Full Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2007
Messages
244
Loc.
Novato, CA
I have this one from a 1996 mustang if it helps.
 

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swmrdrn

swmrdrn

Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2017
Messages
141
For the reservoir, Lee's and a few others make nice tig welded tanks but they're $$$.

In the long run, you'd be better off converting it to a Saginaw pump and bracket.
I saw that Lee one. Not going to spend that. If I can’t find the explorer one then I’ll figure out an alternative. Just need to remember how it was all routed with the hydroboost
 

toddz69

Sponsor/Vendor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 28, 2001
Messages
11,205
I can't identify the portion of the hose that comes around the backside of the power steering reservoir but the spliced portion that attaches to the thermostat neck could be the '68 Pontiac GTO hose that we've used for so many years with the 5.0 conversions.

Todd Z.
 
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swmrdrn

swmrdrn

Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2017
Messages
141
For those following and for anyone in the future trying to duplicate my upper radiator hose...

it is combination between a GATES 21631 from a 1989 F250 5.0L and a GATES 20983 from a 1968 GTO. Then you just need a 1 1/2” hose coupler.

take a look at my installed picture above and the hoses I just listed and it all makes sense.
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
51,616
Thanks for the numbers! That information does really help.
Do you remember where you got the coupler?

I have a slightly different solution on my 68, which works well too.
I think the coupler came from Summit, and I don’t know the hose numbers but Member 904Bronco probably has that info and may even be able to post up pictures for anyone viewing this in the future.
 

904Bronco

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 28, 2004
Messages
6,694
Loc.
San Martin, CA
As Paul requested... The hose is switched around from what is it's normal position. Shortened from where it attaches to a standard Bronco radiator.
You can see approximately where the cut is made so that the thermostat side can be rotated. You may have to take a little bit of the hose off the thermostat end. Mostly that depends on body lift. 4 clamps are needed. On some conversions, for added piece of mind, I place a rubber lined clamp, attached to the radiator shroud for added protection when the hose pressurizes to keep it away from the PS pulley. The picture doesn't really show how much clearance is there... The Continental hose, use to be a Goodyear, is very close to the factory Ford hose design. Other manufacturer's (Dayco, Gates) take some liberties with their design and it doesn't fit as well. (I am sure the prices have gone up since last year)

Summit Racing2/11/25Summit cooling tube connector 1.5"SUM380601$ 5.99
Summit Racing2/11/25Continental upper rad hoseCEL-60710$ 19.99
 

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swmrdrn

swmrdrn

Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2017
Messages
141
Thanks for the numbers! That information does really help.
Do you remember where you got the coupler?

I have a slightly different solution on my 68, which works well too.
I think the coupler came from Summit, and I don’t know the hose numbers but Member 904Bronco probably has that info and may even be able to post up pictures for anyone viewing this in the future.
I just ordered one on Amazon. Lots to pick from
 
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swmrdrn

swmrdrn

Jr. Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2017
Messages
141
As Paul requested... The hose is switched around from what is it's normal position. Shortened from where it attaches to a standard Bronco radiator.
You can see approximately where the cut is made so that the thermostat side can be rotated. You may have to take a little bit of the hose off the thermostat end. Mostly that depends on body lift. 4 clamps are needed. On some conversions, for added piece of mind, I place a rubber lined clamp, attached to the radiator shroud for added protection when the hose pressurizes to keep it away from the PS pulley. The picture doesn't really show how much clearance is there... The Continental hose, use to be a Goodyear, is very close to the factory Ford hose design. Other manufacturer's (Dayco, Gates) take some liberties with their design and it doesn't fit as well. (I am sure the prices have gone up since last year)

Summit Racing2/11/25Summit cooling tube connector 1.5"SUM380601$ 5.99
Summit Racing2/11/25Continental upper rad hoseCEL-60710$ 19.99
That is very clean And a good option if you have space
 
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