Hello DTR,

Whats the best way to remove the harmonic balancer on an auto trans if you don't have the flex plate tool. I just got a new to me 12v and the previous owner said he had the KDP issue fixed, however I would like to see it for myself. I purchased the truck for 4k and would really hate dropping 2,500 on a new housing, gears, etc. for taking the guys word for it. Thanks for taking the time to help me out.

 

I just took the bolts out. Position your ratchet so you are minimizing the rotational torque on the crank. ( not 90 relative to the crank, try and bring the force back across the crank )

They should come right off.

 

Thanks for the reply pat,

I just gave what you suggested (makes perfect sense) a try. Unfortunately, it seems that the bolts are on wicked tight causing me to use a breaker bar. My recent thought was to cut down an piece of tubing to fit between the ridge in the balancer and the ground to stop the rotation of the motor. However, I am hesitant to do this because I don't want to damage the pulley. Any ideas?

 

You don't want to try and restrain the outer ring, it will just ruin your balancer.

The correct answer is to get a barring tool, passenger side front of the engine adapter plate is a plug you pull and you can install this and use a ratchet with long extensions to either turn your engine, or prevent it from turning. Last I priced was around 35 bucks, good thing to have anyway.
You might be able to use the serp belt and alternator to help hold it back as well.