Drive belt brand?

moab said:
Is there a difference between drive belt brands? Or do I have to go with Mopar? They range from $10 to $50+.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,1999,wrangler,4.0l+l6,1431777,belt+drive,belt,8900
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I buy cheap and carry a spare. I think it's better insurance for such a critical component than guessing what brands are better. You could replace a Gates belt three times as often and still afford a spare. Bando seems like a strange name for a belt but now that I think about it that would be great as a spare. Imagine the look on your buddies face when you pull out a Bando after they bust a belt on the trail.
 
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Personally I only buy a Gates, which is probably who makes the OE belt. In my experience they are the best you can buy. Goodyear belts are good but can be noisy. Definitely stay away from off brands. I’m speaking from over 25 years in the field in one of the hottest cities in the country.
 
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I replaced my OEM belt with a Goodyear Gatorback at around 60k miles as preventive maintenance. Stashed the OEM belt, which was still serviceable, in the Jeep as an emergency spare. Next replacement will probably be the Continental Elite, which is the direct successor to the Gatorback
 
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Gates and Continental have been my "go to" brands for belts. I had not heard of Bando until relatively recently, perhaps because I focus on Gates and Continental instead.

Apparently, Bando supplies belts for many imports. I have Bando belts on the Miata I purchased earlier this year that work as they should and have caused no issues.
 
Couple of Gates. Interestingly lost a rib on the Rubicon. Not sure if my crank pulley is fully seated. At least that's my theory. Runs fine on 5 ribs.


-Mac
 
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