That's weird. I was able to get the belt on with no issues. I ran the belt from TN, to AZ and back to NY with no problems. Too tight and you may have bearing issues with the ALT or P/S. I would remove the R/F tire and put a wrench on the tensioner from underneath where it's easily accessible and ensure that you still have some travel left in the tensioner spring. Otherwise, you could try a belt that is a 1/4-1/2" longer if there's such a critter out there.