I replace the serpentine belt on my 4.2 this w/e and what a pain in the butt. It took 3 trips to the parts store. It seem that the 97 4.2 has a really loooooong belt (2615 mm).

The first belt wasn't grooved and the parts guy just looked at me when I asked for the correct belt (I worked at Autozone for a time).

Belt #2 was grooved.... but about 2 ft short (3.8 I would guess).

Belt # 3 was only about a 1" short... But still would not work.

Belt #4 was right on. I finally took the orginal with me and had the parts guy go by size... again, again and agian.

Any one else had this problem.

One last thing... The tensioner is best moved from under the truck...1/2" breaker bar with a 15mm socket. A real pain for one guy.... that when a "son-in-law" come in handy.

 

So...are you going to tell us the part number so we don't have to go through the same hassle? And thanks for the hint on the tensioner.

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Danny
'98 F-150 Std., RC, SB, 4x2, 4.2L, 5-sp, 3.08, AC, speed control, rear slider.
Mods: Mobil 1 engine oil, Red Line MTL trans fluid, Edelbrock IAS shocks,
50 Series Flowmaster, K&N with airbox mod, electric radiator fan, Superchip

 

I'm showing the following numbers as correct:

Dayco 5061030

Gates K060895

Goodyear 4061030

And for a 4.2L w/o A/C

Gates K060966

Are any of these incorrect, oemtech?