Specs:

1976 F150 300 w/ AC
19 1/4" Heavy Duty Cooling Radiator

Problem:

My fan belt is eating in to my lower radiator hose. I replaced the lower hose today and it was as if the hose was just an inch or two too short. I'm having the same problem with the new hose. All I can think to do is either buy a universal hose and cut it to size or shim out the radiator just a hair.

Suggestions please!

 

I think I'd do the universal hose before trying to shim the radiator. If shimming creates a gap air would leak around and reduce cooling. Also to shim it enough, you might be getting the fan out of position vs shroud and radiator.

On the hose and radiator, any chance it is a non original type radiator? Or maybe the hose is for the standard radiator? If you post a pic maybe that would help diagnose.