Engine Sqeel

Noticed that my engine was sqeeling a bit and I have some play in the tensioner(forward and back)

would that be the culprit? or is this normal, i mean its not a heck of alot, at most 1/4" both ways.
I have to drive 300km in 7 days and I really dont wanna get stranded

Belt squeal is probably an old belt...  When was the last time the belt was replaced?  I have had good luck with the Goodyear Gatorback belt on the 4.3L & 5.7L engines which typically have belt squeal problems.

not sure when the last time it was replaced....but Ive been driving on the same one for almost 3 years now......

when I bought it there was a belt in the back, but how do I know its the right one? its like 3 1/2 feet long.....made by "Dayco poly cog" Ill try google and see what i come up with.....

Wait, what about the tensioner, it has movement forward and backward in respect to the truck....can this be tightend or adjusted?

edit-found specs if it helps.... Price: List Price: $21.91
Your Price: $19.72
Order may qualify for FREE Shipping- Details Our Part Number: U29 5060960
Belt 6 Rib 27/32"Wide X 96"Long Manufacturer Number: Dayco Products 5060960 Availability: Stocking Item - Usually ships same day Package Quantity: 1 Cross Reference: 916 D11026837, 550 12576455, 550 12564763, 550 10243938, 490 XF2E8620CC
Description: This is the “cogged” version of the revolutionary multi-ribbed belt first developed by Dayco for the 1979 Ford® Mustang®. The multiple-rib design provides better belt-to-pulley contact for less slippage, so it lasts longer than conventional V-belts. “Multiple ribs” also eliminates the need for “matching”, and allows “controlled slippage” in shock overload situations, such as when the AC compressor kicks in.
Dayco’s superior manufacturing technology uses a rubber-impregnated fabric backing that maximizes load-carrying capability and minimizes the noise that is often associated with the competition’s rubber-backed belts. Poly Cog belts meet or exceed SAE J1459 and J1596 specifications.

Dayco Poly Cog belt part numbers identify the size and length of the belt. Here is an example; 5060560
• 5 = Dayco Poly Cog Belt
• 06 = Number of Ribs
• 0560 = 56.0 Effective Length

I would recommend installing a new one. About 3.5 ft long sounds about right. But rubber gets old so going with a Brand NEW BELT should last 5 years or so. In the long run I find that the best. Then I keep the old one for a spare in case I'm in the middle of nowhere and need a belt to get in.

this belt i have is brand new...still in the package