Does anyone know if I have to take the air shroud off to put a new belt on. The factory belt has a chirp that I can no longer take and they told me good luck at the parts store. Thought I'd check to see for input!

 

The 6.0 does not need any tools to replace that belt. There is a tensioner tab on the underside of the idler pulley below the alternator. Pull the belt up on the belt to the left of the alternator and have someone pop out the tab,when your done just pull the belt to release it. The belt is much easier to replace if you unclip the back part of the shroud next to the alternator. Also check the idler pulley for worn bearings as it is a known drive you nuts squeak point.

 

Wanted to rep you for a straight advice, but I have to spread the love some....

Just a little add for Brickie's advice, if you didn't do it before, make sure you count it to be a few hours of work, because it could be....

 

Thanks for the help, I'm going to tear into it Sunday. I'm not sure I have the tab thing figured out but should be able to once I'm under the hood. I thought it was crowded under the hood of my 7.3 but this thing is really tight. Thanks again.

 

I can't figure the tab thingy out. Does it pull completely out, push up or down. I pulled up on the belt and could not move the tab. I don't want to break it off.

 

When the belt is pulled up the tensioner tab can be pressed to the passengers side and it will lock with a small release of pressure on the belt (it takes two people one pulling and one pressing the tensioner).It is spring loaded so the next pull up on the belt unlocks it.

 

I just ended up loosening the alternator bracket and sliding the belt off of the pulley. Wasn't tooo difficult.