Does anybody have a step by step procedure for removing the tension from the belt? I need to replace the alternator.

 

Just did this on Wednesday. There is a "tab" on the left bottom side of the tensioner pully (if you are looking at the truck from the front). I had a friend pull up on the belt from the left side of the alternator and I was underneath ( where you can see the little tab the best) pushing up using a crow bar until the gap opened up big enough for the tab to lock in place. It's a cakewalk after that!
Edit: Here is a link to a picture of the tension pulley; at the 7 o'clock position you can see the opening and the tab. You need to push up on that opening with a crow bar (that's how I did it) until it opens up and the tab can be pushed in place. Thanks to William_04_X for the link!!
http://photos.thedieselstop.com/show...t=1&thecat=500 Actually the picture is of a dual setup so look at the bottom tension pulley, the one that is black.

 

Thanks Jonathan. Did you remove the fan shroud?

 

No not the fan shroud. I did remove the right battery tray, air filter and the tube that goes into the intake elbow because I replaced the belt as well. I didn't need to remove these parts but since it was my first time I wanted to see everything clearly. If all you are doing is the alternator you don't need to remove anything. I would suggest grabbing a friend... it makes it a whole lot easier.

 

Thanks again Jonathan. I got the belt loosened already. I pulled the belt on the left side of the alternator and then reached down past the big air tube and depressed the tab you spoke of. It was a tight squeeze for my arm but i got it done. It was a piece of cake thanks to you.!

 

I just did an alternator change out also. I only removed the battery to make room. It is a little tight but once I found the tab on the belt tensioner I used my right hand to put pressure on the tab while using my left hand to pull out on the belt. It may take a couple tries but you will feel the tab pop in place then you can let the belt go while holding the tab in place. I swapped out the alternator in about 15 minutes. One thing though. I bought one of the Quickstart High output ($297) alternators mentioned in one of the threads and it only lasted a day before the voltage regulator started acting up. I ended up having my local alternator shop rebuild my OEM unit ($84) and have had no problems since. After three weeks I am still having a hard time communicating with the Quickstart folks to get a resolution with the alternator I bought from them. They will not answer the phone and barely replies to e-mail.

 

I'm glad I could pass that info on to you!!