Hey guys, I just have a few questions about replacing the Serpentine belt, pulleys, and tensioner. First off, how bad of a job is this and secondly, how bad are the pulleys to replace? I think I would need a pulley puller or something like that. I had one replaced and I want to replace the rest in the coming month or two. Looking on rock auto, I think I would just grab the MC Tensioner for $45 and the Gatorback Belt. How do I know which pulleys are what to replace?

Thanks for any help!

 

I'd take off the belt and change any that seem to have some resistance. As far as the belt, it's really easy to change. At least, it is on my 4.2. I can't imagine the 5.4 being that much harder.

 

I replaced the idler pulleys and the tensioner pulley on my 4.6 right after I got it. It's really easy, they're held on with a bolt going through the middle and just fall off when you pull the bolt out.

 

Ophidia is correct. Tensioner and idler pulleys can be replaced with simple hand tools in a few minutes.

 

Its very simple I changed everything at the same time just to be safe. The tensioner was 3 bolts and everything else was one bolt through the center

 

I just replaced the pulley on the tensioner because it was in good shape otherwise. I had one idler pulley that was noisy and tight, but just replaced them all since they're so cheap.

 

Thanks for the feed back guys! So do you know the part numbers I need for the idlers? From what I am gathering, 2 are the same and 1 is different. Is that correct? I trust MC and Gates. I'm thinking the Gatorback, unless you think the Gates is a better choice.

 

I got them from O'Reilly. I believe they were Gates. I like Gatorback belts, when mine is worn out that's what I'm going to get.

 

Look through the Rock Auto catalog. They list several brands of pulleys and tensioners including Motorcraft, and have Gatorback (and other) belts cheap.

 

That's what I was doing George, I'm just confused about the part numbers. It looks like 3 of the idlers are replaceable?

 

I'd just skip doing the pulleys/auto tensioner and do the belt itself. If pressed, the tensioner and belt only unless you have pulleys that are making noise. The gatorback belts are always good in my experience. Make sure you check your upper/lower radiator hoses as well if they are original, as they wear down as well.

 

Replace any pulleys that do not turn freely and smoothly.

 

All hoses have already been replaced... I'm **** lol

 

On my way home from work today I grabbed the Gates Tensioner and Gates belt at a local parts store in town. We've used these guys as long as I've ever known and with the stuff they were so close to online prices I'd rather give them the business. In two weeks I'll grab the 3 idlers and tackle it that weekend since I took a nice small vacation.

 

Ok so just incase anyone is not sure. The idlers on the 2004-08's have 3 replaceable idlers. There are two that are smooth and 1 that is ribbed. Amazon had the cheapest prices and with my Prime Account I got free 2 day and free 3-5 shipping. I ordered Gates pulleys and the part numbers are: 2x 38001 and 1x 36157. The tensioner part number is 38274 and the Gates Belt is K061015. My truck obviously has AC so these are for trucks equipped with AC. When I install I'll do a entire step by step install since I haven't seen one yet.