FYI, there are 2 types of tension systems for these trucks, the closed spring and the open spring design.
the powersteering bracket is different between the 2.
I have only seen the shock tensioner for the closed spring design.
make sure you have the correct tensioner.


the closed spring tensioner and bracket is what I believe was talked about a few posts up.


this is the closed spring design.
93 94 Ford F-250 350 7.3 IDI Turbo Diesel Power Steering Mount Bracket OEM | eBay


if the holes for the top shock mount holes are not there, its a simple drill and bolt operation.

 

Thanks IDIot, I have the open spring design. Are you saying since I have the open spring, the kit with the shock wouldn't work for me anyway? For now I decided to just replace what is there but thought down the road I can do the kit with the shock (if possible for my application)... I certainly don't want to keep going through belts and breaking cooler lines. I did put the new idler pulley and tensioner on last night only to find out they gave me the wrong belt at Advance Auto , not even close... it was 100"

Advance shows their belt for my application is 110.5"
Oriely's (Gates) 111.625"

I had just put a 110.5" belt from Advance on this winter but it came off and broke the tranny lines. I don't know if it was so tight it damaged the tensioner or if the tensioner was already bad and that's why it jumped off. The belt went on easy enough but can't remember if the tensioner was almost bottomed out or what after I let it go... I'm thinking I'll get the inch bigger belt this time unless someone knows which one I should get for sure?

I have A/C, it's not the ambulance package, doesn't have a leece neville alt and like I said is the open spring tensioner.

 

I have only seen the tensioners with the shocks for the closed spring design.

 

I wonder what it would take to convert the system to that design... after researching more today I've read so many stories of belts jumping and doing all kinds of damage. Also thinking that design would help with the chirp the belt makes when shutting the truck off.

 

See post #8 of this thread.


Here is the tensioner without the bracket.


New Genuine Factory Ford 7.3 7.3L Turbo Diesel Belt Tensioner F4TZ-6B209-C BT-33


Here is a thread on the retrofit.


Upgraded belt tensioner pic request | Page 2 | Diesel Truck Forum - Oilburners.net


I tried to upload pictures but got an error wrong format. Do JPEG file extensions not upload here?

 

to swap to the closed spring design, all you need is that bracket I posted in post # 16.
and then the tensioner in post #20.
the idler is the same.
the worst part is pulling and installing the powersteering pump.


I have this system, and it chirps on acceleration when cold. but after its warm, no chirp what so ever. even when I shut it down.

 

Thanks! We will have to really consider this set up... wish I would have figured it out before but I guess I can keep backup parts in the truck.

 

So it looks like this kit would work for me, minus the belt (because of the alt)?

IDIot, do you know the exact length belt you are running on yours?

 

been doing IDI and PSD work lately. and my belt has been on for more than a year, sadly I don't remember. but the part number is Micro-V K061120.


those brackets don't come up too often. id grab it now if you want to swap in the future.

 

Thanks, that one in the link I sent is the same, correct?

 

yes sir, and that's cheap! grab it!

 

I got it ordered so hopefully soon it'll be back on the road! I'm going to use your part number for the belt and hope it's the right one for me... seems like it should be.

 

long as you have a single alternator, it should be the one

 

bump to follow