4wd all rubber upper radiator hose

[Toro]

I can't find the thread, but I thought I remembered that someone was reproducing the upper radiator hoses for 4wd's that were all rubber (without the steel piece in the middle). These were molded to correct angles and not the "flex" style generic hose. Any thoughts? Thanks

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by Toro

I can't find the thread, but I thought I remembered that someone was reproducing the upper radiator hoses for 4wd's that were all rubber (without the steel piece in the middle). These were molded to correct angles and not the "flex" style generic hose. Any thoughts? Thanks

I used a sqaure body 4x4 small block hose in my 72 K20… works just fine.

[Fbks_Cruiser]

When I bought my gmc it had one of those generic accordion style hoses on it. Pissed me off just looking at it. I replaced it with a one piece upper hose from O’Reilly. Gates PN 20607 for 4wd with 350 engine. Sorry about picture quality, I just went out and took the pic in the dark.

[K20super]

I actually went to AutoZone a couple of times and just told them my application and it was the hose your looking for

[tinman_local2]

I got mine from RockAuto. They list quite a few different brands.

[pickupman]

It is Wes at classic heartbeat pickup parts

[Toro]

Thanks for the responses. I have a Blazer and I'm finding out most of the part search engines from any of the chain stores, or even Rock Auto don't include an option to select 4wd. Most parts show up as 2wd or RWD. So, I have changed and started selecting K10 pickup, and now parts clearly show up as required for 4wd. I see the 4wd hoses now on Oreilly and Rock Auto.

[mrein3]

I kinda like the radiator "pipe". People look at you funny when you say radiator pipe - until you show them.
Plus if one of the ends blows out while you're on the road, finding a straight piece is easy.

[palallin]

Originally Posted by mrein3

I kinda like the radiator "pipe". People look at you funny when you say radiator pipe - until you show them.
Plus if one of the ends blows out while you're on the road, finding a straight piece is easy.

Me, too, and for similar reasons. Never had an end leak on the upper.

[special-K]

I think I'll upgrade mine to the later molded one piece. My thoughts on this are it's better to have two ends that might leak than four. Also, the 1pc hose gives better flex. The joints between pipe and short stiff hose get stressed when flexing occurs. As with all other vehicles, routine maintenance will all but eliminate hose failure. Belts and hoses at the same time. These are good things to carry spare, when in doubt. I'll set the OEM on the parts shelf in case one day being 100% original matters. I agree, it has been neat having the conversation piece and all you need is a short piece that fits in the glovebox.