I glanced under my '01 E-350 yesterday and noticed that the steering linkage had been rubbing agaist the lower rad hose. It had almost worn through in two spots! The local supply house could have it in a few hors for about $100.00, but a call to the dealer reveals the part in stock for $73.29. The lower hose is only a piece of the "tree ' of hoses to the oil cooler, the lower block, and the o'flow tank. it took close to 2 hours to drain, replace, and refill. lovely work in 35 mph gusts and 35 degree weather. The new hose(s) seem to be positioned further away from the moving linkage. So glad I caught it before it let loose on the road. BTW, it's a 5.4. So do a quick look.

 

Thanks, good to know. I havent seen a failure in my shop yet however.

 

So if you want to replace just the lower radiator hose, it disconnects from that tee?

 

That is one convoluted/wicked looking hose setup! RA has a few closeouts for under $30 and regular supply for under $50. Be sure to buy a lot of clamps!!

 

there outa' be a law against allowing those to be designed into a vehicle

 

Most expensive one on rockauto.com for that vehicle is $59.79 for a Dayco brand.