I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 4L and thinking I should change the all the coolant hoses.

I noticed the top heater hose has a molded 'T' fitting. All the Internet and parts stores show using a universal cut to length straight hose. I hate the idea of putting in a crappy looking plastic 'T' with a bunch of hose clamps. Is my only choice the dealership to get the correct hose?

I know about the upper and lower radiator hoses and the 2 heater hoses. Are there any hidden ones that need changed? (my brother's C4 Corvette has a 90 degree short hose under the intake - PITA to replace!)

 

The T should be a Flush kit fitting. There's a cap on it I gather? The rest... Gates & Goodyear make good hoses. Molded hoses are the best choice for these when available I think. Otherwise, I'll route the plain stuff very carefully. how about the overflow hose and clean the overflow tank? I also like little hose clamps that are easily snugged by hand, available at parts store in front of the counter. Only for the overflow. Then get all new clamps for the rest. It will probably end up with one sitting on the alternator, so I put a extra piece slit length-wise around that contact point & wire-tie it in place as a heat barrier. Mine came this way from previous owner & was nearly melted through. With the double thickness, almost no heat transfer & both parts are happy. You can also wire tie the 2 together to shape them a bit. Keep the hoses reasonably short and simple. I use a sharp knife, but fancy hose cutters or similar might work even better. I also try to give them room from the air intake hose, but I think yours shouldn't have as much interference. After that, make sure the coolant system is great.

 

Not a flush kit, this is a factory 'T' put in. I think it's goes to heat the intake manifold

 

Huh. I'd think the Chevy would work more effectively, but Ford's does sound better in overall practicality. I should think a universal replacement would work fine as long as sizes work. The water pump would sometimes have to pump a bit more than old-school I would think with heat to 2 customers, but here I'm keeping my ears wide open with a dunce hat. If you live down south, I'd wonder if it would be better off plugged. I haven't learned that much yet about OBD II.