Hello Guys,

I am going to be performing some preventative maintenance. I have to change out the fan clutch (motorcraft) so while I am there I am going to put in an Aisin water pump and a new belt tension (?)

The ranger has 103K on it and is a 2005 2.3.

Do we recommend a motorcraft tensioner or is a aftermarket (rockauto) as good.

I just don't want to be guilty of replacing a working part with something inferior.

Also, what do you all think of changing the radiator (denso) as they are only 110 dollars as preventative or should I just wait a bit longer.

Thanks,

Bob

 

For fan belt tensioner, 3rd party will be fine, not hard to replace if it "isn't fine", lol

New parts are not tested any more, you are the quality control department for 3rd party parts, they warranty them

Ford, GM, and other car makers pay extra for parts to be tested before being shipped, that's why they cost alot more, sometimes 3 times the cost of 3rd party
But they can't afford to put in untest parts in new vehicles, also the maker has to guarantee no child labor and other PC issues
Stuff still breaks just way less often, lol

Most 3rd party parts have 1 or 2 year warranties
Motorcraft part usually has 90-day warranty, because they either work for years out of the box or they break right away because of a defect

 

I had the belt tensioner go out a couple months ago. I replaced just the pully, not the whole tensioner. It would be an odd duck
for the tensioner assy to go out as its just a spring. I got it from AutoZone. around $20 vs $65 for assy.