Drive Belt

[Baldguy]

Hi all. Newbee here with a question please.

I have a 1993 4dr 4x4 XLT and need to change the drive belt. I know this as I can see minor cracks in it so I know I need to get to this soon.

I have moderate mechanical ability when it comes to cars. How hard is it to do this myself....anyone have a procedure or can share their experience with this repair.

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[DeagleDave]

to do mine i used a 16mm? (i think) closed end, long wrench, put it on the bolt to the tensioner and pulled it back to release the tension and the slid the belt off. then just follow the diagram on the front of your engine bay for putting it back on and crank down on that tensioner to put it back on. it hurt when i did it that way (palm of my hand) but after a couple tries i got it back on.

 

[Baldguy]

Ok cool. Thanks. Sounds pretty simple to do then. Probably wouldn't hurt to have some help when putting it back on....one person to pull back on the tensioner and the other to slip the belt on.

 

[DeagleDave]

yeah definately 2 people make it a lot easier.

 

[tenikiwon]

Don't forget to cuss and swear.

Also, there is a trick to it. I've done 3 cars includeing my X on my own.

On my buddies Dodge Ram it took two of us, until we found out that if you slip it over one of the pullies (?) it's 1000% easier. Don't try to slip it over anything with teeth if possible.

And slip it on one of the pullies closest to the tensioner.

Once on make sure it's secure. run the vehicle at idle for a couple min to make sure it's not gunna work it's way off. <-- happened to me the first time 'cause I didn't get it all the way on.

 

[tenikiwon]

Good point

Leave the old belt in your truck. Esp. if you do trail driving. You never know when it might break. Least then you have a way home!

 

[Crankcase]

I had to put one on out in the middle of nowhere by myself with only a Crescent wrench, and it was a PITA. I also reccomend two people, it would be cake then....