Welcome to the SHOFORUM. No, you do not need the belt tensioner tool. When removing the tensioner, remove the two bolts holding it to the block, compress the piston in a vice or C-clamp, insert pin to hold, reinstall belt then tensioner, and pull pin. Do not remove the bolt on the idler pulley for the timing belt. If you do, you will need to use the tensioner tool. I did my belt without it and have had no problems. Good Luck.
<small>[ November 06, 2002, 05:23 PM: Message edited by: ISHOU ]</small>