Serpentine Belt and Fluids

[mbeach]

1. I was wondering what the best place is to buy the serpentine belt. I got the serpentine belt from Napa for $40 which seems a bit steep. Checked pepboys and their price was higher. I don't want to get the Goodyear Gator since it is louder at high rpms.
That's a fair price -if you want to see steep, inquire at the dealership.

2. Also, i've checked around and found the best deal on synthetic Mobil 1 ATF to be $6.19/quart and Mobil 1 geal oil to be $8.19/quart at Autozone. Does this sound like a good price or can i buy the fluids cheaper.
A bit high, I generally pay $5 a quart for motor oil, $6 for ATF, and $7-8 for gear oil. Considering you're in San Diego, it may be worth it to just pick it up rather than drive around looking to save a few cents.

3. I've read that a good pump to use while changing the fluids is the valvoline pump that works with the drill. I was wondering where i could find one of these.
A hand pump works fine, but a pump is really only necessary on the transmission. You can get a bottle of gear lube to fit with a little persuasion for the T-case and diffs =no pump necessary.

4. I know that the transfer case and differential fluids are simple drain and fill. However, since i've never done this, i wanted to know if there is a guide for this (to point me to the drain and fill locations). Any pictures would be even better.
The drain and fill plugs are pretty self explanitory on the t-case and rear diff. The front diff drain is very small however, and in an odd place. Just look for the smallest bolt on the housing. The head of the bolt faces to the rear of the truck, and is @1.5 inches in front of your crossmember.

5. After changing the fluids, is there anything special that needs to be done to make sure the drain location is sealed and not leaking. Is there any sealant or anything else that needs to be used.
I use teflon thread sealant. Don't overhang the end of the threads though, you don't want it peeling off and gumming up your gears.

Thanks.

That's what we're here for.

[TechnoPope]

It is time to replace my serpentine belt. I was going to get the Goodyear Gator. I was under the impression that the Gator was one of the best available. Do they really make an undesirable noise? Has anyone other than Dare2Dream experienced a problem with their Gator belt?

[Moncha]

The Gator is actually designed to be quieter than any other belt.. I switched my belt as soon as I got my first VX and have run nothing but for years.. I've never had a noise problem...

[Dare2Dream]

Thanks mbeach for the invaluable and comprehensive advice!!

Well, i read about the gator being louder at high rpms somewhere online (search). It said it was due to those small dimples/grooves. Never tried it myself. Seems like most of the time the rpms wouldn't be that high, so i don't know if it would make much of a difference.

Does the gator have a longer life compared to the regular belts? What is the advantage of a gator belt over a regular belt?

BTW, anyone know where i can find that valvoline pump that works with the drill so i can use it for the tranny fluid change? Thx.

[zadam123]

st charles isuzu just quoted me 18 bucks

[Moncha]

Get it from the horses mouth about the belt.

[deermagnet]

I bought my first replacement serpentine drive belt at an Isuzu dealer three years ago. #2-90662-900-0. It cost me $18.08 plus tax. My next belt at another Isuzu dealer was about $23 with tax last year.

Mark

[SuperDave]

My dealer charged me $25.83 last week.