Question: [MM] "NAPA knows me well. I have my 3rd serpentine belt and it's right in the middle of the range of the idler pulley.

It seems like the next smaller size would be too small - at least initially. Should I stay with what I've got?

Kinda bugs me that the current belt was supposed to be .25" smaller than last one yet it measured only .125" smaller. The measured sizes do not match that on the box. Eg. #60858 measures 85 15/16" and box says 86.25", 85.8 inches is close. So I don't really know what length the special order belt 60854 would really be. I know what the box will say."

Answers:

[1630] "it will stretch some. hard to say how much. maybe 0.25" at the lowest point of the belt on the tensioner in the first few hundred miles in my case."

[dino] "I had a horrible screech from my belt on the first 3-4 minutes of start up...went to a 1/2 inch shorter belt and solved the problem completely."

[al] "If you are having trouble finding that perfect belt length consider changing your idler pulley diameter size up or down to get the results you want. I found them at Napa auto. Check their book for the size you're after. I'm using one that's the next size up from the factory supplied one."

[dw} "The higher-priced belts will stretch less than the economy-priced ones also. They will also grip the smooth water pump pulley better."

{DanM] "I am using the stock 5.0 with the air pump and air conditioner removed and using the Ford power steering relocator bracket. With the belt routed from the alternator under the tensioner, over and around the power steering to the water pump, crank pulley then back to the alternator. I used a 72' belt NAPA #25-060716."

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