Can't say that I know about the automatic, other than I don't believe anything ever changed on that engine and the th350s have been around a long time - so I can't think why it wouldn't mount up.
The odd hose has a lot of us guessing - but we believe its a by-pass so when the thermostat is closed the water just circulates back - its an easy to get part - but we think its a big truck thing.
mebe....
