FZJ80 Belt Tension Tips?

[TankTheLC]

Hey, putting the truck back together and having a hard time figuring out the best way to go about getting the right tension on the new belts on my 93 fzj80. I'm following this thread: Belt Tension. I don't really follow the normal amount of pressure to ensure the belt doesn't deflect 1/2". Is there a better way to test how tight or loose the belt needs to be? Currently just adjusting it by feel until the noise going away.

 

[rolliges]

Gates Kricket tester is pretty cheap.

Surprisingly more tension is needed to get to spec when you have real measuring tool. The thumb method is almost always under-tensioned.

 

[rolliges]

Someone mentioned a ¼ twist of the belt test. That might be close; would be good to confirm with an accurate measurment.

½ inch deflection is waaay too lose.

 

[ScubaSteve80]

I've changed out my belts several times and I always make sure it's tight enough to engage the idler pulley but not so tight you can't move it with your finger. I'm sure there will be much better answers than mine but my point is that, in my opinion, as long as it's tight but not too tight, you will be fine. Not very helpful I know but just use your best judgment and it will be fine.

I'm a novice when it comes to LC's, just sharing my experiences. I haven't had any issues with mine.

 

[TankTheLC]

1/4 turn of the belt seems to be an appropriate tightness for no belt noise.

 

[NLXTACY]

Here you go

 

[ppc]

I've changed out my belts several times and I always make sure it's tight enough to engage the idler pulley but not so tight you can't move it with your finger. I'm sure there will be much better answers than mine but my point is that, in my opinion, as long as it's tight but not too tight, you will be fine. Not very helpful I know but just use your best judgment and it will be fine.

I'm a novice when it comes to LC's, just sharing my experiences. I haven't had any issues with mine.

The Land Cruiser is different from a lot of vehicles. The AC belt is typical of other vehicle with and idler where the twin belts that drive the water pump/fan and alternator the idler do not come into play on belt adjustment/tension. The idler is only there to control excessive belt deflection. The belts are not routed around the idler but beside it. Many guys run with that idler completely removed. You need to tension belts using the pivot point on the alternator along with the adjusters that rotate the alternator. With new belts they will stretch within minutes so its best to start tighter, readjust after a 10 minute run. Best to use the proper gauge as other have described as the specs are much tighter than measuring with your finger pressure.