I need a new tensioner and am contemplating the SD tensioner. What is the best way to cut the bracket right? Cutting wheel, sawzall, torch... And do you have to get a different belt? I know it's a different pulley setup but after removing the grooved idler it isn't really that much different.

 

you will need a different belt. I think its the same one the Super Duty's use. I think I used a cut off wheel on a die grinder when I did this mod on my 95. Of course I removed the bracket to do the mod.

 

worth the time/money to do?

 

Not in my experience. Didn't seem to make any difference.

 

I can't see how it would make any difference. My tensioner has been there for 337k miles and it works just fine???

 

To be honest I was looking mostly to save $$. I could get the SD tensioner with the integrated idler cheaper than getting and new OBS tensioner and idler. But since I'd have to get a new belt too it wouldn't be a better deal.

 

errare humanum est

I think you make a good decision now.

 

Went thru that when we got the truck. Opted for the Gates 'redesigned' unit. Worked just like a post i found said it would and yes, you could readily see the difference. Didn't even consider the SD mod as the R&R option w/o any extra work was very appealing.