i have a 05 ram 1500 4x4 hemi the idler pully just below the alternator seized up so i installed a new one from the dealership i matched it up to make sure it is same size i know to lift up the tensioner but for the life of me i cannot get the belt back on it is like the belt is inch short but it is same belt that came off so that isn't the case is there some trick i am missing i am sure it should just slip back on and i doubt the belt just mysteriously shrunk and i have checked and rechecked the routing it is all proper

 

Did you make sure that they sold you the right one? Stupid question I know, but you wouldn't believe how many times the parts house sold me the wrong part that just looked right. Also I know on my truck you just really have push on the tension pully or i would be about an inch short.

 

well i assume it is right one from the dealership like i said i did match it up to the old one it is same diameter and i have compressed the tensioner all the way it can't go up anymore this makes no sense