Hi, I recently purchased a new gatorback belt 4060887 for my 3.0 with A/C. I cant even get the thing on even when wrenching the dang tensioner open as hard as I can. It seems just barely too short. Now I am suspecting I need to replace the tensioner. The pulley sits and spins on the tensioner fine with no wobble or squeak, but I know it hasn't been replaced as long as I've owned the truck (60k miles). I am beginning to suspect that it has never been replaced (or replaced with a factory part), because I can still see the Ford logo on the tensioner meaning is would have 160k miles on it. Either way, does anyone know if the tensioner will begin to loosen less as it wears out not allowing me to get the slack I need to install the new belt.

On a side note, a mechanic changed the belt last time and he put on a Dayco 5060885. I'm thinking he had to pry that sucker on!

thanks in advance for any help.

I don't know why you are having a hard time but I would just go ahead and replace the tensioner and ideller pulley because those are most likely shot after that many miles.

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2001 Ranger Edge
3.0 V6
Automatic
4.10 gears
97,780 mi

Yeah I'm gonna replace the whole tensioner assembly and the idler pulley. It will probably have to wait til payday next Friday though haha!

Don't be surprised if the belt starts to squeal though after about 100 miles. The new belt will have stretched out a few millimeters by then and the old tensioner wont be able to take up the extra slack.

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2001 Ranger Edge
3.0 V6
Automatic
4.10 gears
97,780 mi

Wait even if I replace the whole tensioner assembly and the idler puller, you think it will still start to squeal? I am still running the old Dayco belt with the old tensioner. The new gatorback belt will not fit with the current tensioner. Thanks for your help man.

New belt old pulleys = squeal.

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2001 Ranger Edge
3.0 V6
Automatic
4.10 gears
97,780 mi

I am having similar problems with my ranger. I am going to replace the belt and pulleys and see if it works.

Funny, my truck is in the shop right now as I type. Just bought it and the belt fell off the first weekend I had it and it fell off again yesterday. The shop called and they are replacing the tensioner and the belt. First time it came off had to use a hockey stick to stretch the belt to get it back on. Hopefully the garage will get it right!!

I'll update this thread when I put on a new tensioner and idler pulley. In the meantime I thoroughly cleaned the pulleys with brake cleaner. Also cleaned the old Dayco belt in the bathtub with bar soap and water after reading that some have had success stopping belt squeaking by rubbing a bar of soap on the belt directly with the engine running. I didn't want to lose my fingers trying to do this though so just took it off and washed it with bar soap. After letting it dry overnight and reinstalling, the squeak was pretty much eliminated, but I know it will come back.

Another question... My truck is a 98, but according to the sticker in the door jamb it was manufactured in August 97. The gatorback belt listed for 97 rangers with the 3.0 and AC is a 4060895, which is the next size up from the 887. Perhaps I have a 97 3.0 in a 98 ranger and am trying to fit the wrong belt?

Just got my truck back. $240 new idler and pully and back in business!! I'm happy, only $240 and I thought it would be much more $$$$. Had aproblem with the engine revving up too. Garage cleaned the IAC valve and my intake manifold for free!! Running like ndew now!

good to hear man! I don't want to dip into savings or I'd prob just take mine to the shop too. Feels good when youre leaving the garage and your trucks running good. In the meantime I think I'm gonna order the next size up gatorback on ebay and see if it works til I can get a new tensioner and idler pulley.

I just did this myself and it wasn't that hard, once I had all of the necessary tools. I bought duralast parts from AutoZone and used their serpentine tool. It took me maybe 30 minutes total time once. I learned the hard way that just in case you may want to have a Torx 50.

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1998 Ranger XLT 3.0L

I replaced the whole tensioner assembly and idler pulley today. Fairly easy. Still cant install the freaking belt with two people working on it. Checked the VIN on my truck. It was manufactured in August 97. Last 6 digits are A00183, meaning it was only the 183rd ranger produced for the 98 model year. So screw it I'm gonna the order the belt for the 97 3.0 ranger. Its .8" longer than the one I'm trying to fit. And a whole 1.3" longer than the belt that is supposed to fit 98+ 3.0s. So if you're having trouble fitting a gatorback belt for a 98 or higher 3.0 ranger, order the one for the 97 3.0 rangers - part# 4060895. I'll update if it works or not.

Gatorback #4060895 fit perfect on my 98 3.0. Squeaking is gone after replacing tensioner assembly, idler pulley, and belt... finally