Yup, lower hose did it. A pain to have to drain the radiator just to pull the alternator. Thought I had gotten it out of my pickup w/ same engine back a while without removing that hose but I must be mistaken.
I did check the connector and it seemed not to be the problem. Have to pick up a brush set and have the pulled one ready to go when I need it...
wow, with that cut fender it's a snap.
Thanks guys.