when its cold or hasnt been run in a few days it squeaks bad when i crank it. it sounds terible and crappy, do i need to replace a belt?

 

I recommend replacing the belt. I highly recommend either another Motorcraft or a Gatorback from Goodyear.

Just use a long ratchet to push the spring loaded tensioner back. Personally, I've done mine with my hand, but it hurts... so with a ratchet it should be lickity split.

 

Heck your lucky yours just squeaks .. I have 164000 miles on mine and it pings , knocks for a ful minute on starts , and sounds like a diesel engine when idleing... And I have replaced about every moving part in it.. You might want to change out the tensioner while your at it , I didnt but quickly had to within about 2 weeks of changing out the new belt , the tensioner pulley sqeaked like HE^^

 

If you released the tension with your bare hand, you are one strong fellow. I wouldn't want to meet you in a dark alley!!!

My last truck, a 2000 5.4 started making noises on cold startups in the winter and I changed the belt to a gatorback and quietened it back down.

 

thanks guys mines got 101k on it. i got it at 74k and havent changed it ever. my uncle had it before me and idk if he changed it either.