If you own a 1999–2003 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke, you’ve probably noticed the factory upper radiator hose routing is not the greatest. On late ’99–’03 trucks, the stock hose snakes through the serpentine belt path, which means a simple belt swap can turn into “drain coolant, pull hose, then do the belt.”

That’s exactly why we built the Riffraff Diesel Coolant Silicone Upper Radiator Hose (Around the Belt). It reroutes the upper hose around the serpentine belt, so belt service is finally what it should be: quick and clean.

Check It Out: https://www.riffraffdiesel.com/coolant-silicone-radiator-hose-around-the-belt-upper-99-03/

 

What it does

• Reroutes the upper radiator hose around the serpentine belt on 1999–2003 7.3L Powerstroke trucks.
• Makes serpentine belt work easier because you don’t have to drain coolant or remove the hose just to get the belt off.
• Uses heavy-duty silicone for durability under heat/vibration (and it cleans up the engine bay routing at the same time).

 

Fitment notes (read this first)

• Single alternator trucks only.
• Will NOT work on dual alternator systems.
• OEM cross reference: F81Z-8260-CA

 

Why silicone (and why “around the belt” is the real upgrade)

OEM hose routing was largely chosen for manufacturing/assembly convenience—not for making your life easy 20 years later. Performance aftermarket silicone hoses (like ours) exist because they can be made in higher-quality runs, hold up better, and allow smarter routing options like going around the belt instead of through it.

 

What customers mention after installing it

Owners consistently call out:

• Better access for belt/tensioner/idler work
• Long-term durability expectations (“last hose you’ll need” type feedback)

Bottom line: if you’re searching for a 7.3 Powerstroke upper radiator hose that makes belt service painless, the Riffraff Coolant Silicone Radiator Hose (Around the Belt) (PN: RDP-UCH-SD) is the clean, do-it-once reroute upgrade.