belt tensioner +idler pulley

[Ger42]

serpentine belt tensioner, idler pulley
Are these the same thing?

 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

no, tensioner puts tension on the belt with a pulley/bearing. idler helps route the belt where it needs to go and is also a pulley with a bearing

 

[shadetree]

Technically, no, but the two terms are interchanged. Most all engines have a tensioner of some type, but not all have an idler pulley.shady

 

[Hypnotic Toast]

Idler Pulley is the top pulley on the front of the engine that does nothing but sit there as the belt runs around it.

The Tensioner (Pulley) is what you move to get slack in the belt and take it off.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

They are correct, however, they are interchangable with your year of truck. One just bolts strait up and the other bolts to a spring activated arm.

 

[Ger42]

Thanks for the information
Changed them both and put on a new belt yesterday. Started the truck and the belt didn't come off. We'll see how it goes today.