I think it looked like a 3/8" but you never know.
Also be sure to wash the end off before you do any
saving of what comes out. Don't need the dirt from
the end that has been hanging out in the open all this time.

 

Done!

I drained just over 3 gallons from the radiator drain into 1 gallon distilled water jugs. I lost about another quart or so when taking off the lower radiator hose. All the coolant from the water jugs went back in. Whatever I lost from the lower hose will be replaced with the Zerex I have on hand. I should have enough, if not I will just get a gallon of 50/50.

I do have a bit of clearance between the lower hose and the power steering gear but am going to put a piece of old hose in there for protection.

I have attached a few pics of the hose so you can see the damage from the interference.

 

That lower hose always surprises, not expecting coolant to still be trapped.

 

I need to go look to be sure but I think my new hose came
from Ford and it has a section of corrugated plastic on it to
help protect it from rubbing along with the mesh stuff.

After the first few thermal cycles be sure to go back and
retorque the worm clamps after the hose takes a set from
where they are gripping at. I found mine was leaving a tiny
bit of fluid behind in the driveway after about a week.
Turned the screw a bit and solved the problem.

 

My hose is a Dayco. Maybe Ford upgraded theirs. Either way good to know for others or future.

Thanks for the tip on the worm clamp Sean. ��

 

Mine came that way.

 

Mine's OE and has the ribbed sleeve on it. Along with the clip that holds the hose out of harms way to the fan shroud.

 

I forgot to look at mine today when I was out.

 

I have the bracket that secures to the bottom of the fan shroud. I actually that is causing the issue. I am sure the support is necessary as the hose runs horizontal across the front end down there but the bracket seems to bring the hose way to close to the steering gear.

While I do not have the ribbed plastic section I am going to cut a piece of old hose and zip tie it to the new hose where it passes the steering gear.

 

Just how often should you service it?