okay so after driving this beast (1986 245) around in the hot eastern oregon wilderness for the last month with a leaky heater hose i got some time off work and replaced it finally. however Baxter Crappy Auto Parts has this really janky rubbery hose which twists and kinks easily and it basically sucks, it has kinks in it after doing the dog-leg bend to go around the intake manifold so the heater really sucks now. I will likely buy the IPD hose when i get a chance. BUT can anyone comment on...
1.) installing the hose was a pain in the arse. the tubes to put the hose on are really corroded. is there a trick to putting it on, like one particular side first? i will sand the rust off when i replace this baxter-sourced hose.
2.) is the official heater hose necessary or can i just route the hose closer to the manifold and not behind the oil-check tube, thus getting less kinkage?

cool i will check back whenever i get the internet access again (not often lately)

Thank you mucho a lot.

Yes, anything that will tolerate the bend radius will kink. The only alterative is to use a couple of 1/2" plastic hose elbows. The preformed hoses are expensive from a dealer but they last forever. If the connections are rough consider using something to fill the surface to insure no leaks. WD40 ia also a good hose lub and it drys/evaperates quickly to leave a tight fit.

yes, the hose has to be s shaped and unless the intake is off, it's a pain to install. i use silicone spray on the fittings before TRYING to force it on the fittings. good luck, chuck.