{"product_id":"gates-36978-accessory-drive-belt-idler-pulley","title":"Gates 36978 Accessory Drive Belt Idler Pulley","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGates DriveAlign Premium OE Pulley 36978 is an OE-exact accessory drive belt idler pulley for heavy-duty Ford applications. It is built as a steel smooth\/backside pulley with a bolt included and is specified for passenger cars and light trucks where OE-quality belt routing and tension control are required.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis DriveAlign Premium OE Pulley line is engineered to serve as a locked center tensioning pulley, an automatic belt tensioner pulley, or an idler pulley, depending on the application. For Ford F-250 Super Duty, Ford F-350 Super Duty, and Ford E-450 Super Duty coverage, the 36978 part number is listed across multiple upper and above-alternator positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOE Exact grade for direct-fit accessory drive service\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSteel pulley construction for durable belt contact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmooth\/backside pulley design for serpentine belt routing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 in. outside diameter and 1.2 in. width\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 mm bearing bore inside diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes pulley and bolt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDetailed Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGates 36978 is a DriveAlign Premium OE Pulley designed to match OE fit and function in accessory drive belt systems. The smooth pulley surface, steel construction, and OE Exact grade support proper belt tracking in applications that use a backside-running idler or tensioning pulley. This part number 36978 is used across a wide range of Ford Super Duty and commercial chassis applications, including Ford F-250 Super Duty, Ford F-350 Super Duty, and Ford F-450 Super Duty fitments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe DriveAlign Premium OE Pulley product line focuses on replacement pulleys that follow OE-style dimensions and operating requirements. In this application, Gates 36978 serves as a belt path component for systems that rely on stable pulley alignment and consistent belt contact under load.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis part cross-references Monroe Shocks \u0026amp; Struts (e.g., LC3Z 8678 C) for the same application.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat It Is Used For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReplacing a worn or noisy accessory drive idler pulley\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRestoring proper belt routing in OE-style drive systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAddressing belt slip caused by pulley wear or surface damage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorrecting belt tracking issues related to pulley bearing wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServicing tensioning or idler positions in heavy-duty belt drives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInstallation Notes and Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eVerify pulley position, belt path, and OE dimensions before installation. Confirm the 17 mm bearing bore, 3 in. outside diameter, and smooth\/backside design match the original component. Use the listed fitment details for the exact Ford Super Duty or commercial chassis application, since this part number 36978 appears in multiple upper and above-alternator configurations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eQuality Assurance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGates DriveAlign Premium OE Pulley components are built to OE-quality fit standards and are specified for demanding accessory drive applications. The OE Exact grade and application-specific design support consistent replacement performance in Ford belt drive systems.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gates","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53621604647093,"sku":"BBSC-36978","price":29.61,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0628\/1442\/1173\/files\/ZO_36978_FRO.jpg?v=1793169711","url":"https:\/\/www.partcatalog.com\/products\/gates-36978-accessory-drive-belt-idler-pulley","provider":"PartCatalog","version":"1.0","type":"link"}