Radiator Hose choice

[SuperCrutyPS]

This weekend I'm going to be changing my serpentine belt due to it ripping a groove rib off. I'll be inspecting my all my pulleys.

But on to the question:
My upper hose now goes through the serpentine belt. I'm looking at Napa Auto parts and they show two upper hoses.
The first:
Store Locator | NAPA Online
Routes around the belt.

The second:
Store Locator | NAPA Online
This one routes through the belt (like I have now)

I figure since I'm in there, I might change both upper and lower hoses. And I have to take the upper 'through' hose off anyway to get the belt changed. So...can I switch to the 'around' hose without any issues so I don't have to remove the hose again in the event I have a belt issue again?

[bigcountrysg]

Yes you can, I suggest you get a hose clamp. If you notice where the hose will go in front of the engine. You will see a spot where it looks like a hose clamp belongs to hold the hose away from the belt.

I did this switch already and it works great. So now when I need to remove the belt no need to drain and fill the radiator. Why Ford didn't do it like this first I do not know.

[SuperCrutyPS]

Sweet! Thanks a lot bigcountrysg!!! I was hopin' that would be the case. I'm probably due to change the coolant. Haven't changed it since I've had the truck. Summer towing season is coming.

[DieselNoob]

I just changed out the radiator, water pump, upper and lower radiator hoses. I got the napa one that is for the dual alt setup (the one that goes around the serpentine belt). I ended up just using a zip tie to attach it to that little mount dealy so it's out of the way of the belt. It was only like 15 bucks.

[Southpaw]

This is one of those things every SD owner should do before you need to (along with the spare tire lock).

I changed to the 9066 a long time ago. Say you lose a belt going down the road....it's not going to do you any good to just be carrying a spare belt in the toolbox if the hose goes through the belt. Stupid design

[SuperCrutyPS]

I like you guys way of thinking!!!

[SuperCrutyPS]

Got my belt changed and installed the 9066 hose while I was at it. No more pulling the hose to change the belt.

Thanks for all your input - I appreciate it!

[Fred Swanson]

I also changed to the NAPA hose...they refer to it as the "preferred" hose, good chage....Fred