Anybody change their belts? I'm going to replace mine but I went to Advance Auto Parts and they tell me for my 97 that there is a 98 and 99 inch belt. There is no difference due to the 6 or W code engines and both belts are for air conditioning. I took the old one off and it looks to be 99 inches but I just want to be sure. BTW I have a 4.6 if you're wondering.

 

Having just done this on my '97 5.4l. Just go to Autozone.com and get a Gatorbelt. They're great belts, and only ~$35!
The dealer wanted $180 to put one on!!!!
I will say it aint much fun though!!


Tom

 

Consider it a chance to bond with your truck...

 

FYI the number for your application is 04080990..that is for a Gator back Belt and it is 99 inches...make sure they don't give you a 6 rib belt...your is 8 rib

 

Thanks. I went with your advice and bought the Gatorade today. I'll be putting it on sometime this weekend. I would do it right away but I've got to replace a tie bar first.

 

Tips 1) Sears has a decent serpenten tool for 25 bucks..2)unclip the tranny cooler lines running past the front corner of the engine block just below the A/C compressor,that will allow additional swing of the tool...3) pull off at the compressor first and finish at the compressor last...have fun

 

gaterade I just caught that

 

I have the 4.6 but I put it on myself. used a breaker bar from under the truck to release the tension on the idler pulley. I tied it off to the side and went about my business. Only took about 10 min. Have to untie momentarily when you go to put the new belt on. Would be a lot easier with two people. I think the breaker bar is what made it easy. You can get lots of leverage to release the tension.

 

Tom S.
The breaker bar from underneath is a GREAT idea. I just finished replacing my belt while I was replacing my alternator. Wish this thread was going last night so i could have used it today.

 

The correct length must be the 99" belt. I replaced mine with a Napa (Gates). It lists the length as 99 5/8" and it was a TIGHT fit.

I came in over the top and had no problem with an 18" breaker bar. Popped it off over the alt and back on (with another persons help) at the alt (after replacing it). Replaced it at 160,500 miles on the OEM unit. Its worn but is still serviceable. Not too shabby!

 

Put it on yesterday. I got the Gatarade which was a very tight fit. I used my 1/2 breaker bar with an additional bar on the end of it for more leverage. Didn't take very long. Old belt had one small crack in it. Threw it in the back of the truck as an emergency backup belt in case the one on the truck ever breaks.

I also replaced my tie bar. Easy to do as long as you get the puller you rent from the parts store. I have a gear puller but it does not work, kept slipping off. Got new tires put on today along with the free alignment, I wasn't far off from my eyeballing alignment.

 

i just ordered the gatorback belt from mike troyers place.

the lady that answered the phone was super nice, and they support this site.

would have paid them more, but as it turns out, they also had the best price that i found.

 

if you want a Motorcraft...

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...97&catalogid=1