I have read some discussion in the past about caged v.non caged pulleys.. I am reading that the non-caged lower pulleys are promoting premature bearing failure? Has anyone experienced this or is it just a myth? The cagaed design does seem stronger to me, not to mention its factory equipped. Any comments?

James S.

 

Ford put it there to protect the bearing and for other protection reasons. No one on this board can prove millions of dollars of engineering wrong.

Justin

 

I've been running none caged for about 25K now and its all good.

there's guys on here with 50K miles on there's with non caged L's.

You guys honestly think that the pressure from that belt tensionor is going to destroy the bearings on the crank, HAHAHAHAHA give me a break!!!!!


Your blower bearings will go bad long long long before the crank bearings go bad on this truck.

 

I have about 30,000 miles on 3 different non-caged pulleys--my L has never been to a shop--daily driven and 1/4 miled.

Dan

 

Its a myth

You will feel the reason for the cage once you have the stock pulley in your hand You need to "support" that much weight on the front of any motor.

Then put an aftermarket pulley in your hand, the weight difference is amazing

 

Ford put the cage there for a reason. But many people have run perfectly fine without it. So really it's your choice, I prefer to have it there, mostly for retaining the factory look and peace of mind.

 

Ford also spent millions on the PINTO.. Lot's of debate but no proof that it has saved an engine vs no cage.

 

I agree, the caged pulley saving crank bearings seems to be myth.. Another problem with the "aftermarket" caged pullies seems to be:Have you ever tried to remove one of them??? .....good luck!!.......just my opinion, run uncaged.......JR

 

Uncaged > Caged. The END.

-Mike

 

This may answer your question.

http://www.powersurgeperformance.net/pulley_info.htm

 

The '03 Cobra's s/c pulley doesn't have a cage per say as ours does. The cage is actually built in w/ the crank pulley instead. It's kindof weird.

 

no wonder the company's stocks are in the crapper, they spent millions of dollars engineering one pulley!

for a 30,000 truck that has a to date production run of less than 28,000 units. you do the math

 

Just because a company or person has "millions" of dollars does'nt mean they spent it on a Lightnings lower pulley assembly.

And you'll take note the aluminum bracket is a sand casting. A process and part that is not exactly "strong".

Having F.E.A.D. experience I'd suggest that particular design has more to do with high rpm harmonics and N.V.H. reduction. (noise vibration harshness)

WOT

 

I am going through the same debate myself. I have been running a #2 caged pulley for about a year and have seen no problems. I am debating a 4,5, or 6lb pulley. From what I have read it looks like there are no concerns going with an uncaged model. I am still trying to make a decision.

 

One thing to keep in mind is there is NOTHING to cause a shock (high sudden axial load) on the blower pulley/belt system.

Personally I don't rev it very high unless at the track 2-3 times a year, so I feel perfectly safe going with a non-caged version.

WOT (6 years as an OEM F.E.A.D. engineer)