2001 Ram 1500 SLT with Magnum 5.9L- was snooping around and under the vehicle today preparing to do an engine swap. While running I noticed the harmonic balancer seems to have a significant wobble (1/16" or more). Is this normal? , could it have moved from original position or is this they way it was set by factory? The attached belt driven pulley visually appears to be in in good alignment with everything else(no wobble).What should I be looking for when I eventually pull this off the old motor and install on the new long block? Are all Magnum 5.9L harmonic balancers created equal (interchangeable) or are they specific to each crankshaft? A wobble cant be good

 

There is an elastomer band between the hub, and outer ring of the balancer, (essentially, a rubber band.....) that breaks down with time, and the outer ring moves..... It's probably ok at the moment, but, when you throw the new long block in, I'd replace the balancer as well. They are specific to the 5.9 engines in general, so, you can just pick one up from your favorite source, and be good to go.

 

Thumbs up-thanks

 

Ordered a new harmonic balancer per recommendations. I can't believe this thing hasn't torn itself apart at higher RPMs

 

Yep, that's it.

 

I think most of the lower end units all come from the same Chinese factory. As much as I hate Dorman, I got a 594-133 for $17 on Amazon Warehouse Deals a couple years ago.

I put it on one of my non-profit's vehicles and it's been fine (shrug)