Steel upper rad hose
 

Some one educate me. Why do some trucks come with a steel upper rad hose?

Re: Steel upper rad hose
 

Not sure when the General started doing that steel radiator hose. Only seen that on factory 4x4 trucks. My 71 4x4 has the steel radiator tube with a short rubber radiator hose section at both ends. My understanding is it aids in the truck frame verses engine "flex" when doing some serious 4 wheel drive movement. Reduced strain on a fixed radiator hose from radiator mouth to thermostat housing, preventing lose of coolant with overheating results.

Re: Steel upper rad hose
 

Had the steel pipe on a 71 2wd step side that we bought new. Truck was a heavy 3/4 ton with a 292. I remember brazing up rusty pinholes in it before we sold it.
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Re: Steel upper rad hose
 

My '66 2WD had one of those in place.. when my ex totaled that truck I kept it along with many parts and finally tossed it I think with the trans (TH 400 and very nice radiator). Funny, back then I couldn't even give them away -- (1997 I think)... bet I could now!