Goodyear Gatorback belt

[Michaelarchangelo]

Anyone ever run one of these? Is it worth the extra money?

[DaveD912]

Not in the XJ, but I used one in the Dodge Ram I used to own. Regular belts squealed like crazy on the 360, but the Gator one never made a sound. I don't know if it was a better belt, but it sure was quieter.

[92DripCherokee]

I put one on my 2000, after 4 days of daily driving I had to retighten mine, it slipped when cold. Seems like it stretches more during breakin than a conventional serpetine belt.

but it is very quiet, and I'd buy one again.

[XgeekstarX]

the dayco belts i sell are the same as the gatorback (double rib) belts and yes, i'd say they're worth the extra money... a serp belt is a pretty critical component that i wouldn't really cheap out on.

[87manche]

the dayco belts i sell are the same as the gatorback (double rib) belts and yes, i'd say they're worth the extra money... a serp belt is a pretty critical component that i wouldn't really cheap out on.
I just put a new dayco belt on my MJ. Much quieter than the old serp belt, I haven't had to retighten it. Spec for a new belt is higher than an old, and it's always more than I expect. My serp belts always ended up loose until I went and bought the belt tension guage at napa. Cost about $15, called a krikit.

[SuperRA]

I've had Gatorback belts on my Toyota pickup for close to 8 yrs now. It was quieter than the OEM one I replaced. Its probably time to change them, but I haven't gotten to it yet. I also just bought one for the Jeep although I haven't installed it yet. I've also used Dayco belts (ones with similar type cuts on the rib side) and they seem to be good also. I think it allows the belt to flex more making a more pliable and thus quieter belt.

[wil4thril]

I have one on my 99 XJ and I like it. It's quieter than an OE style and doen't slip under load. As said before, some things you don't skimp...

[CartsXJ]

Its what I've been running on my 98 for the last three years. And have always given me great results and life. I usually reaplce them once a year and keep the old one as a spare in the back. For the $28 a year, its more of piece of mind and one last thing I have to worry about.

[Slo-Sho]

50k+ mi. on my Gatorback and still looks in OK shape. I also like how the tread on the belt expels water from the serp track.

[DenLip]

Its what I've been running on my 98 for the last three years. And have always given me great results and life. I usually reaplce them once a year and keep the old one as a spare in the back. For the $28 a year, its more of piece of mind and one last thing I have to worry about.

If you replace it once a year, you know nothing about it's "life"!

I replaced the factory belt on my 2000 at 6 years/60k... "just because".

Den

[RichP]

I've got a gatorback on mine now, it came as part of the jasper engine package along with all the other new stuff they put in it...hoses, clamps,belts, filters, water pump, tstat, etc. It's been on about 10 months now and no problems [knock on wood] so far. It's sitting right around 175lbs.

[CartsXJ]

If you replace it once a year, you know nothing about it's "life"!

I replaced the factory belt on my 2000 at 6 years/60k... "just because".

Den

Nothing about what?? The belts life or lifespan. I know they last longer than that, its called piece of mine. I would rather have a good knowledge of when the belt went on and I always check for wear and tension, everytime I open the hold. With ~165K on the motor, its always good to keep an eye on everything. I don't want to be that guy, that is on the side of the road or broke down on a trail from something stupid or failing, that I know I should have replaced.

[GSequoia]

Note: Dind't read full thread.

I've ran Gatorbacks on my red Jeep two or three times now (have had the Jeep for eight years). Never had a problem.

[mikeny59]

About to install a second one. Even with the present one probably being too loose, doesn't squeal when a/c goes on. Quiet, been on there a long time, no degradation.

[89CAXJ]

I seemed to always develop a belt sqeal on my 89. I treid the Gatorback and am very satisfied, the belt has outlasted any others that I have tried.

[Ted Young]

Anyone here made sure that all their accessories and idler pulley were in good working order and just installed a plain old name brand 6 rib serp belt like gates or goodyear and had squeak free operation?

Personally, I like Motorcraft belts.

I heard that AC Delco belts are made by Gates from my friend who owns a repair shop.

Ted

[ren]

Yep, I have had an Advance belt on mine for about a year now, with only one re-tightening after about the first 2 weeks of running. The belt has held tension and run smoothly, no squeaks. Although, lately my idler pulley has started to chirp now and then. (probably from running in the mud up in the Red River Gorge about 4-5 times a week [REALLY big smile]).

[Blue XJ]

I've been using them for 3 or 4 years now, when/if they start to get a little wear in them I take them back and get a free replacement with their lifetime warranty.

[Ted Young]

Thanks for the reply. I thought this was the case. My '90 has just become part of my flock so I haven't been able to work out all the bugs just yet while I've been welding up the floor rot under the back seat!



Yep, I have had an Advance belt on mine for about a year now, with only one re-tightening after about the first 2 weeks of running. The belt has held tension and run smoothly, no squeaks. Although, lately my idler pulley has started to chirp now and then. (probably from running in the mud up in the Red River Gorge about 4-5 times a week [REALLY big smile]).

[raypla]

Not too dig up an old thread or anything but what's your guys/gals experience w/these now?

[xcm]

my experience is regular xj belts are too long and too expensive, i run a 770k6 with a hi-mount alternator. its half the length, and half the price. half the hastle even.

...its a belt, run it!

[birchlakeXJ]

Goodyear Gatorback is a very good belt. Probably the best I've run.

[JrTxJ]

I run the gatorback on my 99, had to tighten it a month or so after installing it but otherwise it's been great, nice and quiet.

I've run those & Bando ones before and have been very happy with both.

[veedubshafer]

Alot of people think the cracks are going to make the belt fail so they replace it. There are a bunch of cords that run through the belt which actually give it its strength. Serp belts are extremely strong and you're wasting your money replacing it once a year.

[89CAXJ]

I have had good results with this belt on both of my XJs

[boomhauer]

2 Gatorbacks for 3 years each. Replaced with Dayco Polyrib which seems of excellent quality also. -B