Hi all,

Just has somemone install my new Metco 4lb lower pulley kit.

When I got the truck back, I obviously received back the original pulley but it doesn't look like I expected it to (nothing like the shiny new disc thing that went in).

Just to keep me happy so I half understand how things work. WHats the difference between the standard pulley and the new one?

Obviously its a lot lighter, a bit bigger but what about the internal workings of the old one (that rubber and the bit of metal inside it?), and the old one had a metal bracket attached!. Why are the old and new so different?

I know its a dumb question. But as I say, I like to have a half understanding of these things!

Thanks in advance

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The original "caged" pulley has bearings in it so that the blower belt wont add directional load on the the front crank bearings. This seems to be a percaution that is not necessary as there have probably been nearly as many miles put on non caged pulleys with out any problems. You also get additional bebifits from the non caged pulley: the first amd most important is you can change the acc belt with out removing the pulley as you must do with the stock one and the lower mass is allways good.

 

If you do a "search" on here you'll find several opinions on caged vrs non-caged pulleys. Although most choose to run the non-caged pulleys, the caged pully setups are probably more conducive to longer engine life due to the support offered by the cage to end of the crankshaft snout and the rubber insert absorbing some vibrations. It's rare to remove any type of structural support that manufacturer has built in, and increase reliability and/or longevity. However hundreds of guys on here have been running non-caged pulleys for many thousands of miles - but there don't appear to be many Lightning owners with, lets say 100k and a non caged pulley, to really "know" what the effects are of a non-caged pulley are with high milage over time would be. Perhaps we'll find out in time as guys rack up 100k+ that the non-caged pulleys have made little difference to the overall engine wear and tear - or maybe we'll find we've all got "whipped cranks" and rapid bearing wear after a particular point is reached because of it. I'm sure Ford Motor knows the difference - but it's primary concern was reliability over years of time and high mileage for warranty issues. And once you put that pulley on there, unless you've got a "mod friendly dealer" - you're kind of on your own anyway. And perhaps this may not be the type of vehicle that many of us will putting 100k+ miles on it - and therefore not to worry.

 

The caged pulley allows for a quick change of sizes, saying that I may be a little biased as I have a caged pulley.

All this work was easy , untill I lowered the truck.
Now it's PITA to get the jack under the front member.

Live & Learn

 

Both caged and uncaged aftermarket pullies have the quick change feature.

 

Now I understand!

See I knew it was silly. I just hadn't understood what caged actually meant! Now I know it all makes sense!!

Thanks!

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