Serpentine belt?

[RobertG]

Stock 96 RT/10 with air.
Looking for an aftermarket serpentine drive belt. Anyone know a brand/part no?
So far, the Continental belt from Rock Auto is too long. The Dayco from Advance Auto is too short. Surely the high $ MoPar belt isn't the only option?

 

[Steve-Indy]

When ordering parts for either of the two distinct 1996 Viper models...one should cross check the info carefully...especially for the 96 R/T 10. Since you have a Gen I engine, cross check part as a 1995.

Some of the aftermarket belts clearly state length in inches and in millimeters...and some don't. Also, the product sleeves slip off of belts EASILY...and, therefore some parts stores may inadvertently sell an incorrect length belt to you. ALWAYS measure your belt and measure the new belt YOURSELF whenever possible.

FYI... OEM part number 4763795AD ...price at Mopar Parts America in $62 on line.

 

[Boosted Motorsports]

Check out this video, I review what the stock belt size is and also what size to get if you install an underdrive pulley

https://youtu.be/FF2vCTcvFnw

 

[RobertG]

Check out this video, I review what the stock belt size is and also what size to get if you install an underdrive pulley

https://youtu.be/FF2vCTcvFnw

Thanks. Component location differs on my '96. For instance, my idler is located where your alternator is.

 

[RobertG]

I'm not sure why, but I'm still having issues finding a serpentine belt for my '96 RT/10 with A/C. The Mopar belt 53010282/7PK1967 is NLA. A Gates K070776 is supposed to work on a Gen I with A/C, but at 78.04 it’s way too short.

What belt do I need?

 

[Steve-Indy]

Robert, the few times that I have had to find a belt for a Viper with a shredded belt at a track event, I have had 100% success by measuring the belt by using a flat, fabric tape measure that is strung through all the pulley pathways...noting that I would measure this across the tensioner pulley part way in its swing to allow it to function. A string of rope can also be used. Next, off to some local auto parts store !!

P.S....Do this on a cold motor...and, have some masking tape handy to keep measuring device in proper locations. Be sure to remove tape when finished !!

 

[RobertG]

Robert, the few times that I have had to find a belt for a Viper with a shredded belt at a track event, I have had 100% success by measuring the belt by using a flat, fabric tape measure that is strung through all the pulley pathways...noting that I would measure this across the tensioner pulley part way in its swing to allow it to function. A string of rope can also be used. Next, off to some local auto parts store !!

P.S....Do this on a cold motor...and, have some masking tape handy to keep measuring device in proper locations. Be sure to remove tape when finished !!

Thanks Steve.
That works out to 78.75". Now, what belt is that? Does it even exist?

 

[AZTVR]

Thanks Steve.
That works out to 78.75". Now, what belt is that? Does it even exist?

Like Steve said, it is best to buy one from an auto parts store counter man who knows how to choose a part without having to enter vehicle information into the computer. And then, be able to take it back if your measurement is one size off.

You can google search for 7 rib 79 inch serpentine belts and find one at autozone. A counter guy at NAPA is the best bet to just look at a catalog for you. (I don't have easy access to a belt, so not confirmed in person that it is 7-rib.)

 

[Steve-Indy]

I sorted through the "spare belt shelf" and came up with a spare 7 rib (25 mm wide) from NAPA (purchased in 2004) with a part number of 070776. This has been lalelled by ME as fitting a Gen I with A/C. I measured this belt around the outside (smooth side) very carefully with a fabric measuring tape. The reading was exactly 76.5 inches.

Currently, the NAPA online site shows a part number of: PBH 7K776

NOTE that "76" keeps popping up at the end of the part number.

That is what I would try next

 

[Steve-Indy]

Robert, I just remembered that you wrote " A Gates K070776 is supposed to work on a Gen I with A/C, but at 78.04 it’s way too short."

IF you are trying to mount a new belt with the tensioner pulley under no tension, the correct belt WILL SEEM too short. Put a 15 mm socket on the tensioner pulley nut using a LONG ratchet and crank the tensioner pulley clockwise as far as it will go THEN try to mount said belt over the tensioner pulley. It works on our 1996 R/T 10. I modified a SnapOn tool for even more length and therefore leverage...about 15 inches long, making it a 15 mm flex-head gear wrench for this very purpose.

 

[RobertG]

Thanks for all your help Steve. xxxx776 is indeed what Gates and Dayco list for a '92 - '96 RT/10. But when I lever the idler over fully, it only clears 1/2 the pulley. It's not even close. I figure the stock belt had some stretch in it, but not several inches of stretch. I've checked the routing over and over, but can't find anything wrong. I'm still hopeful someone can pop the hood on their Gen I and attest to the part no. on their belt. Also of interest is the Mopar part no. cross references to nothing, even though Dodge indicates it also fits a '92 to '96 3.9L Dodge Dakota.
I can't believe this has me stumped. I've owned and worked on numerous cars the last 40 years. Never have I had an issue finding a belt.
(PS: Through trial and error I've determined 78.25 is too short, and 79.50 is too long. Hopefully a seven rib 79 inch belt exists and fits.)

 

[Steve-Indy]

It will be interesting to hear final solution.

 

[Steve-Indy]

Robert, as things seemingly do not add up, consider calling me. 317-402-9013. Or, send an email to with your number.

 

[AZTVR]

That works out to 78.75". Now, what belt is that? Does it even exist?

http://www.daycoproducts.com/online-catalog-1?part_type=20&length_search=78.7&num_ribs=7

 

[RobertG]

Steve,

That's a very kind offer. I'm getting a 5070788 belt in the morning. If that doesn't fit, I'll call. Not that I'm sure what I'll do if it doesn't fit...

 

[RobertG]

I hate when it turns out I'm the problem.
After trying numerous belts, I found one that fits. It's the K070776. What I discovered was that one rib on the 776 belt kept hanging up on the front of the A/C pulley, making it short.
The OEM belt never hung, but the Dayco would hang every time. And I mean all 12+ times. I guess the stiffness and newness caused this. Anyway, with an extra set of arms ensuring the routing was true, the belt went on.

Thanks everyone for your help and patience in resolving this dilemma

 

[TalonTSi90]

I hate when it turns out I'm the problem.

When in doubt, always check the loose nut behind the wheel. Those are a ***** to troubleshoot