Going to replace my belt tensioner and belt. Any tips on how to thread the new belt back on? I'm trying to figure out how it gets around the fan.

thanks

5.9 12 valve 1997 Ram 2500

 

There should be a routing diagram on the radiator support?

 

I have the diagram, that I understand. I'm trying to see how the belt goes on the pullys with the fan shaft in the way. Does the belt get threaded between the radiator and fan, and get pulled over the shaft? Sorry if I'm not making sense.

 

yes i get the belt over the fan blades one by one till they are all over and on the fan shaft first then route it around the pulleys then have a big ratchet on the spring pulley then
pull it over the ac compressor pulley from the bottom while i have spring pulley pulled back.

 

Yes, between the fan and radiator first.

 

The way I just did it was put the belt on one blade of the fan and turn the fan and as it goes around push the belt behind each fan blade. I dont know if that makes sense then if you get the biggest socket wrench you have it fits into the tensioner pully so that you can pull it over to get the belt on it. I think the ratchet is a half inch drive. I hope that all makes sense

 

once you do it, the next time shouldnt take more than a few minutes to change the belt. i got used to taking mine off to clean the oil off the belt when i had a oil leak from the front cover.the belt would start squeeking when it got too much oil on it.