Bottom / Lower Radiator Hose for 4x4

[badpeanut]

My local auto parts store does not list a lower radiator hose for my '71 4x4 w/350. Best they can do is Gates 20694 for a two-wheel drive. Due to the setback of the engine on the 4x4 the fit doesn't look like it will be as good as I'd like. Is there a better fitting option for 4x4?

[71stroker]

Do you have a napa around you? Here are some napa part numbers. I just put a #7463 on my 70 4x4 blazer and it fit great. If that doesnt work try #7368 or #7459 I had them written down also. I always have better luck telling them its for a 72 for some reason.

[badpeanut]

Originally Posted by 71stroker

Do you have a napa around you? Here are some napa part numbers. I just put a #7463 on my 70 4x4 blazer and it fit great. If that doesnt work try #7368 or #7459 I had them written down also. I always have better luck telling them its for a 72 for some reason.

Thanks!

My Napa partsman says a #7463 is equivalent to a Gates 20694. The Gates 20694 doesn't match the old hose currently on my Blazer for bends, but sounds like it will work based on your experience.

[71stroker]

I went to napa online out of curiosity and it confused me more. I checked various 69-72 2 and 4 wheel drive trucks, blazers and burbs and came up with #7293 as listed for all of them.
They listed that #7463 I gave you as a cut to fit for 2wd, but it went on my 4x4 blazer without cutting it so IDK.
I started with a Good Year part #60751 and napa cross cross referenced it to that #7463 so Im not sure what application the computer said.

[badpeanut]

Interesting...

The Napa #7293 doesn't appear to have the 45 degree bend at the radiator.

[sdailey]

Look at a Gates #20842. I'm running one on my K10 with the engine mounted in the rear position.

[badpeanut]

Originally Posted by sdailey

Look at a Gates #20842. I'm running one on my K10 with the engine mounted in the rear position.

According to the Napa website, this crosses to a #7580 which is an upper hose. Does it fit the bottom?

[sdailey]

It works for me. Granted I'm running a serpentine setup if that matters.

[29od1]

I think the lower radiator hose referred to above is Gates 21941 (Dayco 71762). It's basically the lower hose for 1995 Chevy trucks with a 5.7l engine. It works well with the serpentine setups because it goes down and forward first instead of outward toward the bent part of the frame like the original ones.

Although the radiator side of the hose is about the same size as the original radiator outlet itself so you have to lube it up and work at it to get it to fit.

[sdailey]

Originally Posted by 29od1

I think the lower radiator hose referred to above is Gates 21941 (Dayco 71762). It's basically the lower hose for 1995 Chevy trucks with a 5.7l engine. It works well with the serpentine setups because it goes down and forward first instead of outward toward the bent part of the frame like the original ones.

Although the radiator side of the hose is about the same size as the original radiator outlet itself so you have to lube it up and work at it to get it to fit.

The Gates 20842 and 21941 must be very similiar then, because I have the 20842 sticker hanging in my garage for my hose. Below is a picture of a 20842 for a reference.

http://frugalmechanic.com/auto-part/...-radiator-hose

[29od1]

Originally Posted by sdailey

The Gates 20842 and 21941 must be very similiar then, because I have the 20842 sticker hanging in my garage for my hose.

I think you're right. They must be similar because this is a pic of the lower hose installed on my K5 4x4.

[sdailey]

Cool! Good information to have.

[junglejim]

ok I have tried several different lower radiator hoses and each time disappointed. I was reading on here yesterday and a member had a pn#d71244 made by dayco curved radiator hose. member states that the end that goes to the water pump is a little small and the end to the radiator is just right. member states that with a little effort and several cusswords he got it on. member states that the best thing it is the exact bends you need to clear the frame. I called our orilley's store and sure enough they had one and after work went to pick it up. after looking at the hose I said there is no way that will fit on the water pump. almost didn't take it home to try and the employee at the store told me to try it and could return if it didn't work. I am still amazed that it went on. I soaked it several times in hot water for about 5 minutes and would put my fingers in the hole and stretch it out and used joy dish soap on the neck of the water pump. I started it on the back and rotated it left and right till the back was on and then held it in place while using a small pick screw drivers with an 45 degree bend on it I pulled the front on and rotated it back and forth until bingo it was on. guys this hose is frisking awesome. it looks like it was made for this application. and yes the member was right after several cuss words I had it on. I have at least 3 inches of clearance on the frame with no weird pressure on the hose. I am so glad I tried this hose that problem is solved