I have a 2001 Durango 4.7L V8 with 70,000 miles. I've checked the belt but shows no sign of being worn. When is a good time to change it?

 

If it has the original belt on it and it shows no signs of being worn, check with every oil change and once it starts showing signs cracks or stretching change it.

Typically I have to change mine around every 50k or 60k miles. Definitely change yours regardless of signs before the 100k mile mark, but for now if all is okay and no squeaking or stretching, you should be alright.

 

on the 4.7 the manual says the belt is good for 100k miles, imcoming on 100k this summer and i still have the origional on there, and it shows no signs of getting ready to fail, that said im still planning to replace it and throw the old one in my tool kit as a back up, JUST IN CASE

 

That's exactly what I did shrp. Replaced with a Gatorback at 100k and have the original in my back compartment.

 

Just replaced mine today. Had to special order it now that the parts stores don't wanna sell Goodyear Gaterback but I got-r-done. http://www.goodyearep.com/productsdetail.aspx?id=3128


Anyway, I would replace them after every 60,000 miles and place the old one that is not broken in the rear compartment as a just-in-case. I usually fold em into a 2 fist size block wrap them up with string. Then if you ever break one you have an old one on you to get you to a parts store.

 

+3......4.....or 5....whatever it is......GATORBACK is the fo-shizzle-nit.

 

Hey Hydra - Do you recall which part number the belt was and did you order it from Goodyear?

My 4.7 has a constant, evenly spaced (about twice as fast a heartbeat) scratchy kind of tick that I think might be the belt. Sound comes from front of engine area on passenger side. Belt shows cracks, truck has 120k with myself not changing it since I've owned it from 83K so I'm sure its due.

My shop guy used some oil from the power steering dipstick on one of the wheels to see if it went away - it didn't. Not sure of that kinda practice, but I let him go for it, I knew I was going to replace it anyway.

 

You can order it from SummitRacing or some other online parts store. Keep in mind hydra has a Ram 2500 with a 8.0 V10 engine so his will not be the same part number. However I'm willing to help you out on this one.

Goodyear Gatorback Poly Serpentine Belt
Manufacturer's Part Number:4060882
Part Type:Accessory Belts
Product Line:Goodyear Gatorback Poly-V Serpentine Belts
Summit Racing Part Number:GTR-4060882
UPC:37256018244
Belt Style:Serpentine
Number of Belt Ribs:6
Belt Length (in):88.25 in.
Quantity:Sold individually.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GTR-4060882


As for the tick, I believe I heard some including shrp say they had a slight tick sometimes on their 4.7 and I believe it's a factory thing and nothing wrong with it. If you take a stethoscope and hear it coming from the belt area in different spots and not spot specific, I'd change the belt for piece of mind.

 

there is a slight tick on the 4.7 on a COLD start (after sitting all night, or all day) which is normal as long as it goes away as the oil pressure comes up, its usually completely quiet in less than 60 seconds

 

Thanks for the info on the belt - really appreciate the help.

Kinda puzzled on the ticking. I just noticed it a couple of months ago and I had the truck for 3 years now. I first heard the noise at start up as you all noted, but the thing is that the noise doesn't go away.