Correct-fit radiator hoses and alternator correlation?

patrick · Post by **patrick** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 12:40 pm

Okay, I don't necessarily care about a correct resto stamped Mopar logo on my radiator hoses, but I do prefer molded hoses that fit. I was just going to give up and get a flex-fit hose from AutoZone (although I heard these cause pulsations in the cooling system?), but it was a foot too long for my application and you can't cut these, and that's all they had in stock.

Anyway, so I will just spend the money and get the right part for the job. I called Jim's Auto Parts (I know, I know...), but they couldn't tell me the difference between these two hoses:

HO-80656 67-71 B Body (All BB or 426 Hemi w/ 26" radiator), 72-73 B Body (All BB) & 70-74 Cuda & Challenger (All BB & Hemi w/ 26" radiator) 26" radiator (OEM hose - no Mopar logo) $ 20.95

HO-60621 72-73 B Body (All BB) w/o high output alternator 26" radiator (OEM hose - no Mopar logo) $ 15.95

They just kept telling me one is for high-output alternator. When I asked if they are molded differently, the lady just said, "Yeah, I'm sure they're different." Duh... But honestly, I don't get what the alternator has to do with it at all. Why would that change the upper radiator hose depending on alternator? And why can't Jim's answer my [Edit - Keep it clean] question? I mean anyone else would go pull both hoses and tell me what the difference is, but I guess they just don't give a [Edit - Keep it clean].

There's also a '74 B-body BB hose with the Mopar Stamp. Why would that not be correct for '73 while I'm on the subject?

I might just go to Jack's Auto Parts instead since there's only one option and I hate making decisions because I always get it wrong.

BTW, my setup is as follows: 1973 Road Runner with '70 440 engine mated to original 4-speed (car was originally a 400 stock). I bought a radiator out of a '73 Road Runner with a 400 and automatic since it was complete with fan shroud. I just want an upper/lower radiator hose that fits. Radiator is not cross-flow. Top hose is more on the passenger side, as is the bottom.

Suggestions? I've tried all my local parts places, but they only have generic flex-fit hoses that are way too long.

moparmodeler · Post by **moparmodeler** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 8:40 am

I can't tell you with hose is correct for your application. I do know the importance though. I had a lot of trouble figuring out the right hose for my slant six Satellite. I had to go NOS because replacement hoses, though the fit would be eaten by the alternator belt.

So Good Luck!!

landon1 · Post by **landon1** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 3:30 pm

hmm...i thought that the difference would be what side your inlet was...left or right...cuz i think for the 71 big blocks you can use a right or left side upper hose...so maybe that's the difference between the two...kinda stupid they didn't just go grab the two and look at them...computers don't always know everything as i've had to eplain to oreilly's several times...napa is more expensive, but at least they look at the parts and can find differences...BAD experience with finding parts for my old dodge pickup's brakes