I need to get a new one of these but is there a suitable replacement for the bt-44 where I can save a few bucks? Maybe dayco or gates? Id love to hear your exp about a good replacement.

 

Here are a few choices 1996 FORD F-350 7.3L V8 DIESEL Turbocharged Belt Tensioner | RockAuto

 

I'm running Gates 38119 in both our trucks. They have a longer arm, which I find works better. Of course, the best option is the SD BT-50 swap - http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/949...les/982314.pdf .

 

Thanks guys, I ended up sticking with the motorcraft one from rockauto.

I've seen the SD upgrade but figured I'd wait until I got into any upgrades before I started that..... My existing belt is good so I didn't want to replace.
What's the benefit of the SD upgrade?

 

I did it because the BT50 tensioner with extra idler on it is cheaper than original tensioner plus buying the other idler, and I needed a new belt anyways.

Supposed to be more durable and it's just a cool mod to do.

Kevin

 

Because both pulleys pivot, the belt is kept in a straight line better. With the single-pulley tensioner, as the spring wears, it eventually causes the pulley to get out of line when it unwinds and tensions the belt. You can actually see it "twist" at a slight angle as you let off the spring load with the wrench. With two pulleys acting in opposite directions of force at the same time, the spring doesn't allow that to happen over time. I just didn't do the mod on mine because in both cases, I needed the truck up and running quickly and no one had the BT-50 available locally.

 

That makes sense and will likely go that route in the future. I picked up the tensioner and idler pulley so hopefully they last for a bit. I want to run it stock for a while but once the oil pan begins to leak like it is prone to do, when we pull the engine to replace it, that will be my green light to start pushing the new mods.....need it to run for a little bit to build up funds to replenish the pockets from the front end rebuild.