Problem with a screaming belt, (sigh) help

[Lonesome7.3]

I cannot believe I have to ask for guidance on such an elementary problem. But this thing is driving me nuts. I recently did away with the smog pump on my wife’s 96 F250 gasser. It has a 351. I eliminated the smog pump and an idler pulley then ran a shorter belt. The set up works great. Except, when the truck starts up it sounds like a screaming banshee who has not had her morning coffee. It is even worse when it is cold out. All the pulleys are in good shape the belt is new what is the issue? I think maybe the belt is a little too short and I should go with a half inch longer. What do you all think?

 

[JLDickmon]

most likely the opposite..
the belt's too long and you can't get good tension on it.

 

[Lonesome7.3]

That is a possibility. I just did not think of it.

 

[medwards29]

If the belt was too tight it would most likely snap, if it's squealing that is the universal sign for looseness and the tensioner pulley needs reset or new belts need put on. In your case you need shorter belts, you probably could have kept the idler and the smog pump just needed a tighter belt.