2004 Dakota SLT Quad Cab, 4.7L, Automatic, 199kish miles.

Thanks for all the previous advice regarding the starting issue! Low and behold, it WAS the starter... replaced, and it turns over like a champ!

And now it’s developed a new issue, sadly.

On my way home today, I heard a loud snap, and then suddenly my AC stopped blowing cold, I lost power steering, and my voltage went through the floor.

Crap, I broke my serpentine belt!

I somehow managed to get off the highway, across traffic, and off on the side of the road, and discovered no, not the belt, but rather my tensioner pulley was shredded!

So my question is- is there a good way to JUST replace the tensioner pulley on the 4.7, or should I just bite the bullet and replace the entire tensioner/idler assembly. It looks like I should be able to release tension, remove what’s left of the old pulley, then replace it in kind, and get the belt back in place (or replace the belt, after I have a good look at it!)

Also- I’ve heard there are two different sized pulleys for this engine? Obviously I don’t have the original to go off of, is there any other way to know which pulley I might need?

After sitting on the side of the road waiting on a wrecker for three and a half hours today (long story, I need to learn to carry tools and a work shirt with me), I appreciate any help you can give!

 

With almost 200K miles on it, I would replace the entire tensioner.

 

I've replaced my tensioner pulley alone and I've got over 300K on the tensioner. The belt runs smooth with no visible oscillations. One bolt to take off the pulley, that's it.

The pulley kit I used includes the tensioner and idler pulleys. It should be the same for you: https://febestparts.com/PULLEY_TENSI.../2087-GCHR-KIT I got it on Ebay for $20.37 at the time. You might be able to find pulleys at your local auto parts stores too, to avoid the wait.


I also have a thread on how to check and regrease the pulleys in the serpentine belt path, so they'll last indefinitely and avoid things like being stuck on the side of the road. This is something I check whenever I happen to pull off the serpentine belt.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...g-pulleys.html

Edit: Here you go. You've got a plethora of them out there... https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...nsioner+pulley