Whoa whoa whoa...don't get to violent with a screwdriver in there, think about what that seal does. If you wangle that metal up that's behind or around that seal you're looking at a permanent oil leak.

As for the install, one of the above posters gave a very detailed walkthrough, but its not as complicated or drawn out as it reads. I had to replace the crankshaft pulley/seal on my last car(rear wheel drive) and the hardest parts getting the belt back on. Take your time with that seal, use a screwdriver to gently pry not mangle and hack. Good luck.

 

A bit more info on the Dorman brand harmonic balancer replacement. I changed my harmonic balancer on my 87 cherokee 4.0L - the outer balancer started to separate at the rubber causing the back to scrape against the timing chain cover.

I purchased a Dorman brand replacement - it was in stock at the local Autozone and was a good price. I verified it was the correct part number, but would not fit on the crank/key when my shop mechanic went to install it. I called Dorman and the their tech support person was very helpful. Apparently, early models of their balancer for the 4.0L were not machined correctly. They subsequently corrected the specs, but there are evidently still some old stock in warehouses and retail stores. He sent a replacement balancer.

So if you get a Dorman brand, call their tech support with the part# stamped on the new balancer before you begin the project to verify it is the improved release, and not old stock - which will not fit.

 

Just a heads up oem part from dealer was only 75 bucks ...just saying

 

Or use Pioneer/Barnes - I've not had any trouble with their parts on anything in at least twenty years of use.

 

So I was doing this very thing. Used the doorman part. Loaned installer from autozone. Have it on the key and only a quarter of an inch to go when the key adapter piece snapped. Pos. luckily I was able to remove the bit broken off in the snout. Any ideas how to get the remaining 1/8 onto the snout/key? It seems pretty snug.. Should I pull it agin first ?

 

Do you mean that the balancer is almost completely in and that you have about 1/8 to go? If that's the case bolting the balancer will probably take it all the way in. Not somebody you would do to start the process obviously but I believe that can be done in this case. Somebody corrects me if am wrong.

 

Correct, only that much to go. I guess my fear is (if the adapter wasn't weakened from a prior "loaner" user) then what if I break the bolt too. I will probably try this though.

 

Thanks.

 

Correct, only that much to go. I guess my fear is (if the adapter wasn't weakened from a prior "loaner" user) then what if I break the bolt too. I will probably try this though.