Installing underdrive pullies

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-02-2010, 02:16 PM

Wasn't sure where to put this, but hopefully it's ok here. Anyways, I'm thinking I'm going to try and install the pullies I've had sitting here for a while. They are believed to be Steeda's and are the good kind, not piggyback. I have a cheap battery powered impact that I can hopefully use for the alternator pulley and the water pump pulley shouldn't be a huge issue.

The crank pulley/balancer however is where I may run into issues. Those who have done this before, were you able to remove the stock balancer with or without the remover tool? And also on reinstallation of the new balancer, did you follow proper torque procedures, or just snug it down real tight. I've watched the video in the link below several times, but I don't have a torque wrench so wasn't sure if I should risk it or not.

Steeda 4.6L Underdrive Pulleys (Mid 2001-2004 GT) at AmericanMuscle.com - Free Shipping!

**3.9LMustang** · 03-02-2010, 02:32 PM

if im not mistaken. you done have to take out the balancer. Only the bolts on the crank pulley.

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-02-2010, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by 3.9LMustang

if im not mistaken. you done have to take out the balancer. Only the bolts on the crank pulley.

Watch the vid, these aren't piggyback, the balancer gets replaced.

**3.9LMustang** · 03-02-2010, 02:48 PM

ahh ok just saw it :p

**Dark04GT** · 03-02-2010, 04:51 PM

The torque specifications, while not necessary, probably will give you the best results because the crank pulley doesn't go on that smooth. If you torque it down like the video, it does go on decently and it goes on even. I torqued mine similar to the video and I haven't had any problems for over a year. Torque wrenches are 70 bucks, it will be worth it in the long run.

As far as getting a pulley puller I would say it is essential. You can't pull the crank pulley off, it is impossible in mustangs that are as old as ours. I broke a flat head screwdriver trying to get that thing out. Just break down and get a pulley puller (make sure you get the right kind, take a picture of the stock pulley if you have to). I went to autozone and I rented a tool and turned it back in later (you pay then get a refund.... it was actually free to rent). The tool made it way easier.

Cliff notes: Get a pulley puller from autozone, get a torque wrench.

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-02-2010, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Dark04GT

The torque specifications, while not necessary, probably will give you the best results because the crank pulley doesn't go on that smooth. If you torque it down like the video, it does go on decently and it goes on even. I torqued mine similar to the video and I haven't had any problems for over a year. Torque wrenches are 70 bucks, it will be worth it in the long run.

As far as getting a pulley puller I would say it is essential. You can't pull the crank pulley off, it is impossible in mustangs that are as old as ours. I broke a flat head screwdriver trying to get that thing out. Just break down and get a pulley puller (make sure you get the right kind, take a picture of the stock pulley if you have to). I went to autozone and I rented a tool and turned it back in later (you pay then get a refund.... it was actually free to rent). The tool made it way easier.

Cliff notes: Get a pulley puller from autozone, get a torque wrench.

Which puller did you get? The one with the jaws or is it one that screws in. The underdrive one I have has threaded holes in it for removal, not sure if the stock one does or not.

Yeah, I know about the rental tool thing so I was probably gonna do that. I know I've been needing a torque wrench of my own for a while, just never got it and don't really have the cash right now so might borrow one if I can. I wanted to do it today since it was such a great day, but didn't want to run into tool issues so thought I'd do some more research first.

**Dark04GT** · 03-02-2010, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Bigdrumma22

Which puller did you get? The one with the jaws or is it one that screws in. The underdrive one I have has threaded holes in it for removal, not sure if the stock one does or not.

Yeah, I know about the rental tool thing so I was probably gonna do that. I know I've been needing a torque wrench of my own for a while, just never got it and don't really have the cash right now so might borrow one if I can. I wanted to do it today since it was such a great day, but didn't want to run into tool issues so thought I'd do some more research first.

I seem to remember it was the one that screws in. Not 100% but pretty sure. I think both came with the rental kit I got so I had both just in case.

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-02-2010, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Dark04GT

I seem to remember it was the one that screws in. Not 100% but pretty sure. I think both came with the rental kit I got so I had both just in case.

Cool, so how much difference did you notice? Notice acceleration difference, or any slight mpg difference?

**drewskie68** · 03-02-2010, 07:12 PM

Greg(mustangmelish) and i attempted this a looong while back on his 6er, and we used the one that screws in.

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-02-2010, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by drewskie68

Greg(mustangmelish) and i attempted this a looong while back on his 6er, and we used the one that screws in.

When are you off, so you can help me fool?!?

**drewskie68** · 03-02-2010, 08:03 PM

hahaha i would like to add that WE didn't get it on, his dad helped him a day or so later... im down to help but wont have a free day till next saturday(13th)

**Dark04GT** · 03-02-2010, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by Bigdrumma22

Cool, so how much difference did you notice? Notice acceleration difference, or any slight mpg difference?

By the seat of pants dyno it made a noticeable difference. I remember being pretty happy with the mod.

MPG wise maybe a 1 mpg bump at best. I still average mid-low 20's with mainly highway driving so I can't complain. I did average 27-29 mpg (each stop: 12.x gallons- odometer went to 350

) on a cross country ~1200 mile trip on cruise control.

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-02-2010, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by drewskie68

hahaha i would like to add that WE didn't get it on, his dad helped him a day or so later... im down to help but wont have a free day till next saturday(13th)

Well, we will succeed for sure now that i've done more research. Just having an extra set of hands is great in itself sometimes.

Originally Posted by Dark04GT

By the seat of pants dyno it made a noticeable difference. I remember being pretty happy with the mod.

MPG wise maybe a 1 mpg bump at best. I still average mid-low 20's with mainly highway driving so I can't complain. I did average 27-29 mpg (each stop: 12.x gallons- odometer went to 350

) on a cross country ~1200 mile trip on cruise control.

Cool, I think i'm gonna go for it for sure then. I've been kinda undecided up to this point.

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-09-2010, 04:40 PM

Anyone else have any useful input? May attempt it this saturday either on my own, or maybe at Don and Traci's if they're still available.

**jstang6969** · 03-10-2010, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Bigdrumma22

Anyone else have any useful input? May attempt it this saturday either on my own, or maybe at Don and Traci's if they're still available.

Yea, do a write up *with pics* for those of us that are to skeered to do it. lol

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-10-2010, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by jstang6969

Yea, do a write up *with pics* for those of us that are to skeered to do it. lol

Just watch the vid in the first link! Well if I do work on it at their place, maybe Traci will take some pics... haha.

**2xblackcoupe91** · 03-10-2010, 10:44 PM

pm sent. i have the puller and all needed tools. just did a set on a stang today at work. let me know when and where

**2xblackcoupe91** · 03-10-2010, 11:02 PM

if u dont want my help the water pump pulley bolts are 10mm and the crank bolt is an 18mm and i think the alternator nut is a 21mm. i just did a set today. im for sure on the h2o bolt size and crank but i cant remember the socket i used on the alt nut but pretty sure on the 21 mm. and if you wanna just borrow my puller and your promise to bring it back let me know and ill lend it to you. its the T shaped sorta one and the three bolts are 5/16 by 18 thread that go into the balancer. just let me know. ill be on and off the computer till later tonight.

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-10-2010, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by 2xblackcoupe91

if u dont want my help the water pump pulley bolts are 10mm and the crank bolt is an 18mm and i think the alternator nut is a 21mm. i just did a set today. im for sure on the h2o bolt size and crank but i cant remember the socket i used on the alt bolt but pretty sure on the 21 mm. and if you wanna just borrow my puller and your promise to bring it back let me know and ill lend it to you. its the T shaped sorta one and the three bolts are 5/16 by 18 thread that go into the balancer. just let me know. ill be on and off the computer till later tonight.

Thanks for the tips.

**2xblackcoupe91** · 03-10-2010, 11:16 PM

anytime

**Bigdrumma22** · 03-13-2010, 11:43 PM

Got these installed earlier today, and can't say I notice a difference yet, but I'll give it a few more days and check my mileage the next few tanks to see if I see a change.

Big thanks to Don and Traci for helping out with this project, along with my radiator fan issue. Got both taken care of today with their great help and awesome company.

**Mustang_68_Coup** · 03-14-2010, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Bigdrumma22

...maybe Traci will take some pics...

Ooops.

Sorry, I was busy digging in the flower beds ...

Originally Posted by Bigdrumma22

Got these installed earlier today, and can't say I notice a difference yet, but I'll give it a few more days and check my mileage the next few tanks to see if I see a change.

Big thanks to Don and Traci for helping out with this project, along with my radiator fan issue. Got both taken care of today with their great help and awesome company.

Glad you came by! Its always nice to see ya!

**Bigdrumma22** · 04-21-2010, 01:54 AM

So just a lil' update, I'm hoping it's not a serious issue but I have noticed while sitting at long lights, that my voltage does drop down and the dash lights dim. But if I give it gas at idle or take off it charges normally.

**2k4mk1** · 04-21-2010, 07:23 AM

Normal deal with under drives. You are slowing the ALT down so it reduces its output especially at low RPM's. You can install a higher output ALT to reduce the issue if it bothers you. As long as your battery is good it really is no big deal.

Thread: Installing underdrive pullies

Thread Tools

Rate This Thread

Display

Installing underdrive pullies

Posting Permissions