Performance Drive Belt Tensioner Kit for Ram 2500 (2011-2018) 5.7L

Heavy-Duty Drive Belt Tensioner Kit for 2011-2018 Ram 2500 (DJ)

What it Does: The Performance Drive Belt Tensioner Kit replaces the fatigue-prone factory tensioner, idler pulley, and belt on the 2011-2018 Ram 2500 to maintain constant accessory drive tension, eliminate belt slip, and protect critical engine accessories under severe load.

The Stock Ram 2500 Tensioner Breakdown

The factory accessory drive on the DJ chassis equipped with the 5.7L HEMI V8 experiences significant thermal degradation and harmonic vibration during prolonged towing. Over time, the internal torsional dampening spring in the OEM assembly relaxes, resulting in tensioner arm deflection and improper belt contact angles. This slack induces high-load belt slippage, rapid rib glazing, and uneven side-loading on alternator and water pump bearings. Furthermore, factory sealed pulley bearings dry out from underhood heat soak, resulting in severe parasitic drag, squealing, and eventual bearing seizure.

The Engineering Solution

This comprehensive service kit restores front-end accessory drive efficiency and maintains stable dynamic tension across all operating RPMs. Tensioner assembly 38323 integrates a heat-treated internal damping mechanism engineered to absorb abrupt torsional spikes caused by heavy cooling fan cycling and alternator engagement. Paired with idler pulley 38018, both components house premium, dual-sealed low-friction cartridge bearings pre-packed with high-temp grease to eliminate rotational resistance and seizure. The included 6PK2020 heavy-duty EPDM serpentine belt resists rib cracking, tensile stretch, and thermal degradation under severe duty cycles.

What's Included

• 1 Serpentine Belt (6PK2020)
• 1 Idler Pulley (38018)
• 1 Tensioner Assembly (38323)

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 2011-2018 Ram 2500 5.7L V8 Gas

Frequently Asked Questions & Fitment Warnings

Does this fit the DJ 2500?

Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2011-2018 Ram 2500 equipped with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine. This kit does not fit 6.4L HEMI V8 gas or 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel configurations.

Are modifications or aftermarket brackets required for installation?

No modifications are necessary; this kit is a direct bolt-on replacement engineered to interface with the factory timing cover and accessory bracket mounting locations.

The Ram Heavy-Duty Caliber

When hauling maximum payload or towing heavy trailers, dependable accessory drive operation is non-negotiable. This kit delivers rugged component longevity to keep your alternator, power steering, and cooling systems fully powered without fail.