Definitive answer to lower radiator hose part number for 5.0 swap using 4.0 Ranger/Explorer Auto/AC style radiator

[skrit]

Title sums it up. There are so many old posts I have read but none seem to address the lower radiator hose for the 4.0 Auto/AC radiator which has the return port angled down like this:

If there is no molded one that will work without splicing - I guess I will use a Gates Vulco Flex II flexible hose.

 

[1973bronco1973]

The hose you mentioned is the best solution I have come up with. I’ve been using that radiator and hose for almost 10 years without any problems. It just doesn’t look as clean as molded hose.


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[Timmy390]

If memory serves....I think part of the issue is the radiator outlet is smaller than the water pump inlet thus you need a hose with different sized ends.

Tim

 

[skrit]

The hose you mentioned is the best solution I have come up with. I’ve been using that radiator and hose for almost 10 years without any problems. It just doesn’t look as clean as molded hose.


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That's what I figured I'd end up needing to do.

 

[skrit]

If memory serves....I think part of the issue is the radiator outlet is smaller than the water pump inlet thus you need a hose with different sized ends.

Tim

I'll measure them this evening to verify.

 

[tasker]

kind of what I went with....

 

[skrit]

Yep. They are different. Explorer 5.0 and the earlier 4.0 radiators both have 40mm OD inlets/outlets (measuring including with the raised sealing area) using calipers. The Explorer 5.0 water pump inlet (and the hokey oil cooler filter adapter thing which I'm not using) is 47mm.


The stock lower explorer hose must have 2 different sized ends. Update...Just looked at the specs of one and it does.

 

[skrit]

kind of what I went with....
View attachment 935290 View attachment 935291

What would you say the overall length of that is? Found a VulcoFlex with the correct ends but need to make sure it's long enough.

 

[tasker]

Don't remember but will look

 

[skrit]

So the definitive answer to my own question is... there is no off-the-shelf one piece molded radiator hose for this application. The only options are splicing like @tasker or a Vulco Flex style with 1.5" on one end and 1.75" on the other.

I'm also not aware of how to custom mold a radiator hose with a heat gun, oven, grill, steam, etc without compromising the integrity. Vulcanizing rubber can't be undone and redone (I checked).

So once I verify the length of Vulco Flex hose needed, this case will be closed. Hopefully others in the future will find this info helpful.

 

[Tricky Dick]

kind of what I went with....
View attachment 935290 View attachment 935291

This is what I did when I 302 swapped a 4.0L Sport Trac. Worked great.