At 26-years and 173k miles, I thought it would be a good idea to replace the belt tensioner. After some research I found that company called Litens was identified as an OEM supplier for Mopar. When I got the tensioner, it says "Original Equipment" on the box. However, when compared side-by-side, they do not resemble one another. In addition, the new Litens tensioner uses a T50 Torx bit. I didn't have one so it was a trip to Harbor Freight and ten extra bucks on Torx set to complete the installation. Once installed, I noted how much more spring tension is being put on the belt when compared to the old one. Do belt tensioners loose spring tension over time? Is that one reason belt tensioners go bad? Hopefully it's not too much tension?

 

Good Luck!I just changed one on my 5.9. I had to change water pump a week later. Granted both were 25 years old or a big coincident.Just be aware!!

 

I replaced the water pump at the same time while I was in there. Seemed like a good time to do it and it's not very hard or expensive to do. Went with a GMB water pump which has a good track record for longevity. I was just wondering if others notice increase belt tension with a new tensioner?

 

I'm still on my original tensioner. Posting about the GMB water pump. GMB is a bearing maker and that's what usually goes in a water pump, so I installed one back in 2018 after the Murry with plastic impeller started leaking. Well, the GMB only lasted 44.5K mi and the Murray it replaced made it to 82K. I currently have a Gates WP in the truck now.