I have a 97 4.0 I've been working on and I am looking to buy a new serpentine belt after replacing the power steering pump and pulley, tensioner and idler pulley. I purchased a Continental Poly-V 4060882 (with a/c model) from autozone and the belt seems like it's around an inch or so short, it's also just a basic belt. I know you used to be able to buy the gatorbacks which I've had good luck with them not squealing but it has been a solid 3-4 years since i've bought one and now it looks like they aren't really sold anywhere and they're hard to even find info online.

Any recommendations?

 

Also prefer ContinentalElite\GoodyearGatorback serp belts; grippy & quiet.
I believe GoodYear Gatorback has been rebranded Continental Elite; same\similar belts different brand name.
ContinentalElite\GoodYearGatorback#
4060882\6pk2240 is 88i2\2m240 long,
4060883\6pk2245 is 88i3\2m245 long,
4060885\6pk2250 is 88i5\2m250 long,
4060887\6pk2255 is 88i7\2m255 long,
4060890\6pk2260 is 89i0\2m260 long,
4060891\6pk2263 is 89i1\2m263 long,
4060893\6pk2270 is 89i3\2m270 long.
Google above numbers for online vendors.

 

Yeah when searching these model #'s all it pulls up are the straight ribbed poly-v belts, I found a handful on Ebay of the gatorbacks but I think I may need to move up to a 90" belt, not 100% sure. the 88.2" belt I have currently is about 1-2" too small.

 

Ended up going with a Continental OE Technology 4060895, pretty pricey $35 from autozone, I really wish there was a local place that had the continental elites or gatorbacks. Hopefully these Continental OE technology series belts are good...... I don't really have high hopes for basic V rib belts though after using the gatorback designs.

Not even sure how they get away with charging so much for these lol, feels like a higher quality material but otherwise the design is exactly the same as the belt I replaced that started squealing after less than a year.

 

The cheap belts out there will leave you asking how they get away with MAKING such cheap examples.

A reputable dealer who sources good products is key.