Any ideas why after I set the predator to shift firmer there sounds like a belt squeal during a shift? It may not be a belt, but it sounds that way. Any experiences that would indicate what that is?

 

Its your belt thats squealing . i would order a gatorback there better quality then the stock belt

 

x2

 

I had some squeeking on my vortech charged, predator tuned 5.4, and even after replacing the belts with the good stuff, it still squeeks a little from 1 to 2. It doesnt bother me, as it only squeeks for a fraction of a second.

 

Simply put, the belt on the engine is around 100" long with several long spans. The most drastic change in engine RPM is the 1-2 upshift. The long spans combined with the change in engine speed cause a sudden deceleration of the belt. So what you have is the pulleys spinning around 5k+ RPM and the belt now spinning about 3.5K. This causes the belt to slip along one of the pulleys, normally it is on the alternator because it has the smallest diameter pulley and the least belt surface on it. It really is not a big deal and some trucks do it when stock. It it really bothers you a replacement belt will normally fix the squeal.

Joe

 

Wookie, that was an excellent description. I was wondering which pulley it was coming from, thanks.

 

No problem, glad to help.

Joe

 

I had this after loading the xcal2 tune with firm shift points, had it at 1-2 and 2-3. Replaced factory stock belt with a Goodyear Gatorback belt. 104" for the 06. Totally eliminated the belt squeal.

 

The belt doesn't look too easy to swap out. Do you guys pull off the intake and fan shroud to get at it?

 

Only if you are looking for extra work. The belt can be threaded around all of the pulleys without removing anything. Th only tool that you need is a 1/2" rachet to move the tensioner.

Joe

 

Thanks Wook,

Would you recommend getting it done? It just doesn't sound good at all. I assume it is a simple task.

 

Me I don't care. My 2001 did it on its first WOT upshift, and scared the crap out of me. Once I realized what it was I no longer cared. I have changed the belt out but I only do it when needed because the belt was worn. When it comes time I will go back with a good quality belt. If it squeals, so what, I am used to it and it does not bother me. The way that I see it is that something in the system must give. I would rather the belt go before anything else. The belt is the easiest thing to change on the front of the motor as well as the cheapest. If it bothers you, by all means change it. Me, I only change the belt when it starts show wear.

Joe

 

I had a 2001 Mustang 4.6 auto and the belt slipped on 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. It always annoyed the crap out of me. I had a 98 F150 4.6 manual and obviously never had the slip squeal. When I traded the Mustang for my current 2003 F150 5.4 I was hoping it wouldn't squeal but even in factory trim it slip squealed on 1-2 shifts. Yesterday I finally got my Edge Evolution (bought nUsed off eBay) and hooked it up. I tried all 3 levels before I stuck with the level 3 High Perf program. Now the belt slip squeals on 1-2 AND 2-3 shifts. And loud! It's super annoying. I guess I am going to look into the Gator back belt. Has anyone ditched the fan in favor of electric? This was one common mod that also happened to fix the slip squeal on the Mustangs from what I hear. Maybe I can do the fans AND a Gator back belt and be rid of the damned noise!

 

Supposedly the Gatorbacks will fix the squeal. I have bought the belt but Ive yet to put it on.

 

It fixed the problem for me