I'm glad I ran across this thread and that it's relatively current as I'm experiencing similar issues...and didn't understand quite why but now it's starting to make sense. If that wasn't cryptic enough...allow me to explain!
My '88 Bronco II came with an Alloyworks radiator already installed. Checking their website, they state that it fits
'85-'94 Bronco II/Ranger/Explorer .
I was in the process of flushing my cooling system (and snapping a thermostat housing bolt in the block, but that's a whole other story...) when I removed the lower radiator hose a section of PVC inexplicable (at least to me at the time) fell out with the hose which was quite gnarly and had been obviously cut with a rusty, dull butter knife...
After reading this thread and after wrestling with it yesterday, it's making sense...kind of at least!
I'll refill and leak/pressure test my cooling system today, but I currently have a Gates universal 1.5-inch (25478) on the lower radiator hose and Motorcraft part number E67A-8B274-BC on the upper radiator hose. Before you check that for application/fit, apparently that's the part number for the LOWER radiator hose. I attempted to replace it with a Gates equivalent (21613) and it wasn't remotely close. You'll notice in the picture that it's stretched/stressed where it goes into the radiator inlet and slightly collapsed/oval; but it fits. I JUST checked that universal Gates on the lower radiator and it's snug on both the water pump and radiator...which doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me if the water pump is 1 3/8ths and the radiator is 1 1/2...but that's why I'll be testing it here shortly!
I'm a SUPER noob at this Ranger/Bronco II/Explorer thing so please bear with me. If this works, I'll let y'all know here momentarily, but if it doesn't I do like the option of custom/cut to fit hose that
@DILLARD000 suggested, but understanding this is a popular/common modification I'm surprised someone has chimed with Ford/OEM/Motorcraft part numbers needed to do this on the older vehicles with differently oriented radiator inlet/outlets...it's hardly plug and play...
EDIT: I also wanted to than
@4x4junkie and
@Paulos for helping to fill in some blanks! I'm retired and have nothing but free time so I'm willing to take the time to try any/everything and determine whether or not it works!