Thanks for the reply, hope you find the noise culprit.
Since I have absolutely no idea who did my last timing belt, and what was replaced, I ordered pretty much everything, including all pulleys, bracket, tensioner and belt.
Had good luck with the Continental belt in a few Chryslers 3.8's, that engine is really prone to rolling belt noises, and tried every belt possible till I installed the Continental, is seems softer and more pliable, so it might not be as strong, but it's very quiet, and forgiving when pulleys don't line up properly. Never broke one.
Have you tried different belt brands? What happens when you spray liquid on the running belt? Does it get quiet for a few secs or it accentuates the noise?
Also considering ordering an alternator while I'm in there, mine is perfect but also, unknown history, and if it's the OEM, it's 280k miles old..
Good call on replacing all components for t-belt. Just get it done with OEM and be done with it for a while. OEM for this rig is Mitsuboshi belt . On these forums it's most noted that the idlers or fan brackets are making noise.
Diagnosing belt and pulley noise isn't that hard but it took me a while to narrow all my stuff down since multiple parts all needed attention. I'd fix one noise and then hear another. . The belt is really the least likely suspect.
If you have the time and budget this is totally a "while your in there" type of repair. Anything that spins just replace it and be happy for another 100k .