Performance Drive Belt Tensioner Kit for Ram 3500 (2011-2018) 5.7L

Heavy-Duty Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Kit for 2011-2018 Ram 3500 (D2)

What it Does: The Performance Drive Belt Tensioner Kit replaces the fatigued factory tensioner, idler pulley, and serpentine belt on the 2011-2018 Ram 3500 to restore dynamic belt tension, eliminate slip, and prevent accessory drive failure under high engine load.

The Stock Ram 3500 Accessory Drive Weakness

Severe thermal cycling and continuous heavy-load operating conditions on the D2 platform take a heavy toll on the factory 5.7L HEMI V8 front engine accessory drive. The original spring-loaded mechanical tensioner experiences spring rate fatigue over time, reducing contact pressure across the pulley track. Simultaneously, factory pulley bearings lose their internal lubricant, causing high-friction wear, race chatter, and pulley misalignment. This results in belt glazing, audible chirping, erratic alternator output, and potential belt throw that disables the water pump and power steering.

The Engineering Solution

This comprehensive service kit restores mechanical stability using upgraded materials engineered for high torsional stress. The assembly features heavy-duty cast construction with a calibrated internal damping spring that absorbs harmonic spikes and prevents belt flutter. Both the tensioner pulley and the 38018 idler pulley utilize precision sealed radial ball bearings packed with high-temperature synthetic grease to prevent bearing seizure. Paired with a heavy-duty EPDM multi-rib belt (6PK2020), this kit provides maximum resistance to thermal cracking, rib degradation, and elongation under sustained commercial towing loads.

What's Included

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

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 2011-2018 Ram 3500 (5.7L V8 HEMI)

Frequently Asked Questions & Fitment Warnings

Does this fit the D2 3500?

Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2011-2018 Ram 3500 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.

Should the belt, tensioner, and idler pulley be replaced simultaneously?

Yes, replacing all components concurrently ensures matched rotational wear, correct dynamic tension, and prevents premature failure of a new belt on worn pulley bearings.

The Ram Heavy Duty Caliber

Commercial-grade towing and extreme payload demands require an uncompromising front accessory drive; this performance kit ensures reliable charging and cooling performance under the most demanding operating conditions.