Just read ebeard's post with the highest hopes that it might solve my problem. Unfortunately... here I am. Trying to replace "just" the lower 3 piece radiator hose on Big Bob, my 73 big block. Not going so well... the outlet is so close to the shroud and I cant seem to get any movement by loosening the shroud (1 piece plastic BTW). What do you think... loosen the radiator instead? I only need 1/4" to 'slip' the new hose on... how big of a can of worms am I opening by slipping the rad to the right? Bob has air also... one other coil on the rad. Do I need to un-do that also, or will it move as 1 piece?... only a 1/4" remember...
Thanks,
Now Hairless Wedge (finally pulled the last 3 out over this...)

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I finally cut the bottom of the shroud and squeezed it together to get it out. Makes it easy to get the radiator out then.

 

Ya might try loosening the rad, but the lower mounts may not let you side shift it. You will prob end up having to loosen and raise the rad a bit to get it to shift. Try a little grease on the inside of the hose too.

 

If you go the grease route, be sure and use sparingly and tighten the clamp well.

I used grease on a heater hose on my IROC and it let go when I was going full tilt on the on ramp. It was in the winter and it really laid down a "fog screen" behind me. [] Thought I'd blown the engine at first. [:-]

 

I think the only way is to physically move the rad. There is absolutely no room to slide the hose over the outlet pipe. It is touching the shroud. Grease won't help. I only count 4 bolts on the top of the support for the rad... am I counting right? It cradles itself in the bottom supports, with no bolts at the bottom? If so, I haven't found them yet. I still think the shroud will be a problem though... I mean there is no room in there with that 1 piece shroud. I was almost thinking I should remove the fan/clutch assembly... but that won't give me any more room at the point where it meets the control arms. Seems alot just to replace a hose. Any other ideas... something I might be missing?
Wedge
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I replaced the same lower hose on my radiator just before the radiator decided to die and it was quite a challenge. It took two people: one on top pushing the hose down and one on bottom pushing the hose on. I ended up using some grease and it worked out rather well. I dont know if there is a massive difference in work space because i have the std L48 in my 75.

 

[align=left]The answer to the million dollar question... pay someone else to do it. Ok, that was my wifes answer... not mine. Two days later, the correct answer for me was to remove the top mounts of the fan shroud, loosen the radiator and lift the drivers side about 1/2". That shifted the rad off the fan shroud enough to slip the hose on with no problems. PITA for sure... but I could be driving a Yugo instead!!!
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a Yugo! You're funny! [sm=icon_rofl.gif]

Why throw money at a prob?
It's all good when ya cansolveit your self.
And I bet ya work for cheap too.

Knuckles will heal.
It's hard to fill an empty pocket.

Congrats on your success! [sm=icon_cheers.gif]