Just did a rad flush on my 03, 103k miles. Hoses look fine but wondering how long they really do last. I was thinking of getting those cool blue ones but if the factories go forever I see no point in it.

 

I still have the originals on my 96 with 140,000 miles.....They are in good shape but getting to the point I am looking to replace them next year on the side of safety.

I think it really depends a great deal on how the vehicle is used and how well you maintain it

 

Do they crack, bulge, or any other signs before they blow? Mine still look new on the outside.

 

A hose that's failing typically develops longitudinal cracks inside, where you can't see them. Yes, a hose nearing failure feels spongy somewhere along its length or shows a bulge. When the engine is cool, squeeze each of the hoses along the length; however, pay close attention to the area nearest the clamps. Gates recommends replacement of EPDM rubber hoses at a 4 year interval. I have gone much longer on OEM hoses, but it is a good practice to replace them when performing a coolant flush.

 

On these modern vehicles, I consider hoses to be a lifetime part. You really don't see blown or leaking hoses like you used to, and I feel pretty safe relying on the quality of the OEM hoses and constant-tension clamps rather than jobber hoses and cheap gear-clamps that cut into the hose. If I was going to change mine, I'd look for OEM stuff or find a really high-end replacement.

 

On my 01 I replaced my original hoses around the 120k mark. While they did look fine on the outside once I took them off a couple of them were very soft particularily the lower pass side. A lot softer/mushier off the vehicle than they felt on the vehicle. How much longer they would have lasted I have no idea but I definitely felt better changing them at that point. Also my lower intercooler boot on the pass side was almost worn through in one little spot. It looked like it had been rubbing on a sensor, AC I think it was if I remember correctly. I think if you are using the regular type hoses getting 100-150k out them is reasonable and worth replacing at that point. I had gotten in on a group buy of silicone hoses from SPA which replaced all cooling/heating and intercooler hoses and boots. These now have about 160k on them and while they are still on the truck they feel as stout as the day I put them on. I am not sure if SPA makes them anymore but Mr Bobs Distributing I am pretty sure still does (I think the blue ones the op was referring to).

 

i guess i'll look at mine closer

 

Mine are still original, bout 250K miles on them.

 

I think I'll give them a close look but it looks like they are good for some time yet.

 

I guess if you are in question it does not hurt to change them. because my 2003 has 145000 miles and I just replaced them a month ago very cheap!!! I changed the upper and lower hose and all new clamps, also I changed the thermostate which comes with new oring .ordered from mopar parts online out of florida . paid something like $90 for all including shipping. the hoses were cheap I was very surprised I think $18 for one and $13 for the other .$90 dollars is worth my piece of mine