BillyBlurst

Hey everybody,

I've had a persistent squeal from the fan belt when the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd, and sometimes from 2nd to 3rd. It's only after I uploaded my 87 octane street performance tune from MPT, because it has really firm shifts ["street" level from MPT]. I've replaced my belt with a Gatorback, and replaced my belt tensioner and idler pulley.

My question is, would I be better switching to a slightly shorter belt or a race-oriented belt with a different compound on the flat side? My belt length is around 102", so I could get one that's 100" and muscle it on. On the other hand, Gates does make a Racing Performance belt that's said to "eradicate belt squeal on transmission shifts," but they're apparently hard to find in Canada. What would be the better way to go?

Thanks.

BillyBlurst

I know a lot of people have this issue in our generation of F-150s after adding mods to boost power, especially a custom tune with added shift firmness. But I've never found an actual solution. A lot of people just seem to say "Gatorback," and then drop the issue.

Bruski

I would not stress it, my truck does the same thing only at WOT. Still running original belt and have been tuned for 6 years now, and have never had any other issues.

powerranger262

BillyBlurst

I'm just trying to resolve an issue that it seems a lot of people have and have just resigned themselves to ignoring.

RLXXI

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BillyBlurst

On behalf of the community, I will try a slightly smaller belt, and post the results. Thank you all for your help. You sure are a friendly bunch.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

powerranger262

powerranger262

I don't know what to tell you. I have a 5.4l, with AC, and have a 102.5" gatorback with no squealing. All idlers, tensioners, and alternator have been replaced. I guess I would just stop romping on it so hard, it's kind of a way of your truck telling you it doesn't like something. It's not a muscle car, it's a heavy *** pickup.