My serpentine belt is just shy of getting any tricks to try??
1997 Dodge ram 1500 5.2liter motor 4wd. With AC I read somewhere different manufacturers have a different fit like duralast is a cheaper company that's why I'm having such an issues a more expensive belt would be an easier fit?? That true??

 

Is the new belt the same length as the old belt? Which motor is in the truck?

 

Try looking up the correct part # for your year, Motor and options. It can be tricky getting it on with one hand holding the spring pressure of the tentioner and putting it on with the other but can be done. Make sure you put it on correctly, There should be a diagram on the radiator support.

 

Its the 5.2 l motor 4wd the belt is routed in the right direction I replaced the tensioner pulley and sadly the old belt was the wrong belt previous owner used a smaller belt instead of replacing the tensioner pulley I think he's one of those meth-ican Americans. The trucks also been fitting with front suspension for off roading and a 8 inch lift. Don't think that matters I'm gonna check for true pulley now or bent pulleys. I really need to get this truck going for my son he made a huge mistake by trading his crown Vic for this truck. And I'm just trying to pick him back up. The belt is about an inch maybe a half inch off. It's a 1997 Dodge ram 1500 truck with the 5.2 l motor and I've got all that info off the vin number only after market I see is the k&n filter. I'll post some pics also and I'm appreciate all your answers thank u
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The old belt got water because it was the wrong belt I'm suspect maybe a bent pulley?? Or misaligned pulleys

 

Make sure you are trying to put the belt onto a non-ribbed pulley when reinstalling.....

 

Is the A/C compressor still installed? If not, a shorter belt is used.

 

Everything that's supposed to be there is there like an alternator power steering I just never had a belt be this tough to install usually it's 5 minutes. I'm going on day 2 and ounce of weed and second carton of smokes

 

Check the part # on rockauto then see if the local parts store carries that brand/part #.

 

The nuances of auto repairs in modern times - obtaining the correct, non-defective part along with time/tools to remove and replace the part...

Here's a video that may help -