Attention: TDR Forum Junkies I have admired this quality set of silicone hoses from Mr. Bob's Distributing since he introduced them at a May Madness event several years ago. The kit contains radiator upper and lower hoses, 3 heater hoses, 4 turbo hoses, and spring loaded and screw type stainless steel band clamps. Now that my truck 5 1/2 years old and I've designated 2007 as a maintenance year, I finally got them. 
I figure it's better to upgrade to the good stuff in my driveway rather than having a hose replacement be an emergency affair.
I decided, while I was at it, now would be a good time to replace the serpentine belt and pull the radiator for cleaning. The belt is easy. The radiator was not hard, following the service manual hints about removing the overflow and windshield washer tanks first. For those of you who may not know, the radiator petcock has to be pulled out after turning 360 degrees. The FSM instructions are - "drain radiator". Getting the old hoses and fasteners off is a PITA as are most under-hood jobs. I don't know how they install those clamps and get them oriented in an angle that's nearly impossible to get a wrench on #@$%!
If you have an air ratchet, this is a good job for it. The old heater hoses had to be cut off. Installing the new hoses wasn't bad.
This not a performance mod, just one of those things you feel good about because it's better than stock. Of course now I have this blue theme going on under the hood that doesn't really match anything else. I guess I'll just have to go with it.
One more thing. Mr. Bob is a nice guy and carries good products, but his logo placement leaves something to be desired. The logo is under a clear coat, so you can't take it off, and the top radiator hose can't be rotated to hide it. I'll probably cover it up. Sorry Mr. B, if it was a cool looking logo, I might be ok with it, alas.
Neil
I figure it's better to upgrade to the good stuff in my driveway rather than having a hose replacement be an emergency affair. I decided, while I was at it, now would be a good time to replace the serpentine belt and pull the radiator for cleaning. The belt is easy. The radiator was not hard, following the service manual hints about removing the overflow and windshield washer tanks first. For those of you who may not know, the radiator petcock has to be pulled out after turning 360 degrees. The FSM instructions are - "drain radiator". Getting the old hoses and fasteners off is a PITA as are most under-hood jobs. I don't know how they install those clamps and get them oriented in an angle that's nearly impossible to get a wrench on #@$%!
If you have an air ratchet, this is a good job for it. The old heater hoses had to be cut off. Installing the new hoses wasn't bad.
This not a performance mod, just one of those things you feel good about because it's better than stock. Of course now I have this blue theme going on under the hood that doesn't really match anything else. I guess I'll just have to go with it.
One more thing. Mr. Bob is a nice guy and carries good products, but his logo placement leaves something to be desired. The logo is under a clear coat, so you can't take it off, and the top radiator hose can't be rotated to hide it. I'll probably cover it up. Sorry Mr. B, if it was a cool looking logo, I might be ok with it, alas.
Neil
