Harmonic balancer, dampener, drive pulley?

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Kilo

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I just burned about 6 hrs and 2 wheel pullers removing my harmonic balancer. I got frustrated and stopped being as careful as I should have been but I finally got the damn thing off. However, I’m pretty sure I ruined it in the process.

So I’m just trying to figure out the pros and cons of different size/styles of balancers. I’m not even sure I’m using the proper term as I’ve seen em referred to as dampeners, under drive pulleys, balancers. Just to be clear I’m talking about the pulley on the crankshaft that’s hard as hell to remove. What I can tell is it basically powers all your accessories and balances the crank shaft. So choosing a different size would take power from the accessories and give it to the crank??? I know there’s a lot more to it but I’m just checking I got the fundamentals correct. I’ve got a cam/tune and a couple other mods. Would it be beneficial for me to go with something other than stock?

Just trying to get a little better understanding of things. Thanks for any info.
 

pacofortacos

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ATI makes an underdrive damper setup, it will give just a bit more power but not even sure you can notice it - though you might with a cam/tune.
I did notice it makes the engine feel just smoother overall.

On the hemi it doesn't balance the motor, it dampens the harmonics of the crankshaft.
 

James OBrien

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I've been down this road also, the stock dampener on these trucks is almost interference pressed on. If you go to the ATI damper, which is probably the best option, especially the underdrive pulley, do a light sanding/smoothing on the interior of the hub and clean it well. It's even tighter than the stock damper! Use the recommended Mopar pulley removal tool with the three grabbers, I've ruined at least three of the generic ones using the bolt holes.
 

DILLIGAF

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Nothing a 1/2 Milwaukee impact cant seat ;) Couldnt even tell its a press fit... lol... No need to spend a fortune on the tool as this one is the exact same for way less.

 

CunningStunt

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I have taken mine off and put it back on 3 times in 3 months. Use the chrysler 3 jaw puller from Oreilly's and a tip is to pull the pin for one of the 3 arms partially out in order to easily get it into place, then push the pin in once arm is hooked on the correct piece. I used the longest rod in the kit and the pully came right off.

In terms of reinstalling, as mentioned above, a 1/2" impact puts it on with ease. I think it's like a thousandth of an inch press fit. Just make sure its clean.
 
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