I also have a 273, but switched to the aluminum water pump so my radiator lower hose is on the passenger side. While that allows me to use more available parts, it causes other issues with accessories, pulleys, and room for the fan.
If I weren't so impatient I would have sent mine back and ordered a shorter rad and THEN worried about the hoses etc. I was so focused on the hose placements that i could have got a better fit. I'm sure there's another application rad out there that works.
