[twobit]

Stopped at O'Reilly's and got a spare serpentine belt for the 7.3 before an upcoming long trip.
Had no idea they were $45. Ouch! Also will get a new upper radiator hose (twin alternator style that goes around the belt). They were out so ordered one, arrives in morning. Those are only $10 or so.

 

[jdkluge]

I think the one I just got from the local Napa store was $38. For the size and durablity I thought that was a pretty good price. It is not like they are built like the old fan belts. There is much more to them.

Good thing you didn't go to the stealership for one!!!

 

[HoustonPSD]

Mine was less than $30 from powerstrokeshop.com . I was ordering some other stuff so I picked one up while I was at it. Even with shipping it would have been less than $45.

 

[tta583]

I did the same last summer. Gates dual alt hose and gates belt. Cost about the same, around 45 on the belt, 9-10 on the hose. Pick up some hose clamps as well. I was not a fan of the factory snap on deals. I went ahead and swapped my belt then put the origional back in the new belt's sleeve and stuck it in the truck. I figured I would rather have the new one on there and a spare just in case, even a used spare, as opposed to being on the side of the road, in the dark, trying to put my new belt once the origional fianly gave up the ghost.

 

[Wayne B]

I suggest OEM belts and hoses. There is a difference in the quality. I only use OEM belts and hoses. Goodyear can be as good in some cases. But I know in a GM application no one makes the belts the same.

Wayne B

 

[444-4D]

[ QUOTE ]
Good thing you didn't go to the stealership for one!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

I bought one a few months ago. It was about 5 bucks less at the dealer than O'reillys.

 

[444-4D]

[ QUOTE ]
I went ahead and swapped my belt then put the origional back in the new belt's sleeve and stuck it in the truck. I figured I would rather have the new one on there and a spare just in case, even a used spare, as opposed to being on the side of the road, in the dark, trying to put my new belt once the origional fianly gave up the ghost.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree that a new belt is better under the hood than behind the seat. But the best reason to install the new one and put the original behind the seat is because you will know your spare fits.