Carbureted LSX forum - changing balancers

I have a LS1 that I need to change the balancer to fit my accessories. Is this as simple as using a gear puller or do I need to find specials tools?

Thank you in advance!

http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii482/graybeards64/IMG_20120307_133855.jpg

get'n the crank bolt out is the hardest part and craftsman makes a 3 arm puller that works great on ls balancers...i think the part# for the puller is 104.....

what he said ^^^


you also need a balancer installer tool, or buy a 7" or so long bolt in that thread and some nuts and make your own. Don't hammer it back on ;)

I have tapped mine back on with a 4x4 and a dead blow hammer till the bolt would catch, it works, but a installer tool is 10x easier.

Thank you for the replies and confirming what I thought. You always wonder the first time.... is there something back there that I am not aware of.....

And while picking up the BFH has been very tempting on occasion :judge: , not in this case. But a good reminder!

I will pull out my gen1 install kit and see if I can use the main roller washer, after I find the 7" bolt and nut.

Thanks again for the help!

ZONES you sneak in there while I was composing my other answer.

The 4x4 and dead blow is a good plan B, Thanks!

I am going to look at the install tool, I have a feeling this will not be the last LS based motor I work on (my son is scoping out one for his truck) and I have enough trouble when I use the correct tools for the job, if you know what I mean :eyes:

I ended up going with Plan B (zones idea) and it worked great.:thumb: These balancers go on a lot smoother then the gen 1 stuff I have work on in the past. If you look at the pic, you will see that it was not with out a cost :eyes: Good reminder to all, be careful in your shops, I thought I was being carefull and the installer tool would have been more then 10x easer :D............................Thanks for everyones input!
http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii482/graybeards64/accessoriesinstalled.jpg

Lol, with great power comes great responsibility...

I would very strongly advise against using the hammer method. Making your own tool is way too easy. A bit of all-thread, a bunch of washers and a nut. It will save you from risking messing something up...including your thumb.

There are perfectionists, and there are old mentality hotrodders, do it now with what you have if you can, does it cost some of us here and there? Yep....LOL.

I bought an installer tool kit, because it had the correct ends that matched the thread in the crank, when I went to use it, it was designed for the internal crank treads to be at the end of the crank. The LS1 threads were about 3" inside. Jack screw would not fit inside crank and insert bolt was not long enough. Went to local hardware store, in their 2' by 4 ' slide out box metric section, nothing big enough or long enough, next store that might have something, 25 miles. Went with plan B.

I am a firm believer in right tool for the right job, but sometimes you have to make do, if you want to get it done.

And yes my tumb is still reminding me of my bad aim..........

Nothing a few brew will not take care of.

My daughter is a nurse and the nurse said to keep something cold on it........Taking care of both things at once, :D MULTITASKING!:chug:

I used the 4x4 and hammer. Went on smoothly.

Gonna jump on this thread....wanna put car accessories on my Lq9 thats going in my 69 camaro, would I need to get them of off a 6L Gto or a Vette...basically are the car accessories interchangable...? also it won't have AC sorry for the noob question

Sorry about the finger been there done that. Thats why I came up with this.
Like they say one picture is worth a thousand words........I can help.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/618Hawk/DampanerToolBlkOxide002.jpg

Did you guys re-use the old bolt? The GM shop manual says not to.

No do not reuse the old bolt. To add I find it beneficial
To use a ARP balancer bolt. Reusable and easy to torque, one step process.