LT4 Tensioner Pulley Replacement Question
 

Purchased a new serpentine belt for my 96 LT4. Should I put a new tensioner pulley on while I'm in there? Clearance looks tight - how long is the bolt on it? On my Focus, I had to use a pry bar between the tensioner & the frame to move the engine over the 1/2 inch required to R&R the pulley bolt :ack:
Thanks

Install it and press on the belt to see if the tension seems excessively loose. If it does and / or your belt squeals then replace it.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

I can't see the tensioner spring going bad, only the bearing. Bearings will make noise when they decide to go...

:iagree: you don't have to worry about the spring and as long as the pulleys turn freely and don't wobble, they're fine. The pulleys themselves (with bearings) are only around $25 each at pep boys or autozone.

To remove / install the belt you can just use a 3/8" breaker bar with a socket to grab the bolt head on the tensioner pulley. I don't recall exactly but it's somewhere between a 14mm-16mm socket. It will fit in there just fine. That way you don't have to worry about prying on the pulley or anything else.