A few balancer questions

[Skunksmash]

1. How do you know when it is a good idea to replace your harmonic balancer? Do they ever even go bad, or need to be replaced?

2. Are there better ones than stock that will make the truck's engine seem to run smoother? Everything improves as time goes by, seems like there would be one that is better than the stock one for our trucks.

3. Would a fluid damper be a worthwhile investment on one of these old trucks, even if it is overkill? I realize they are mainly used for racing but some people seem to think that they could be useful daily drivers as well.

[GoatBeard]

I had a harmonic balancer break on me one time.  I don't know if that qualifies as "going bad", or not -- but it wasn't good!   

[ccz145a]

1. When the rubber isolator is deteriorated, when the outer ring rotated off-mark, or when it flies apart, whichever comes first.

2. Stock is pretty good for normal operation below 6000rpm.

3. Do not consider a fluid damper unless you planning on regularly reving above 6000rpm

[Skunksmash]

Well the only thing that made me think about a fluid damper is that they seem to be a hot new trendy mod for all those guys who like to fix up the ford and dodge diesel trucks. And as we all know diesels rev even lower than our trucks. Granted diesels vibrate a little more, but enough to warrant an expensive fluid damper for consideration as a mod? I have several of those "diesel guys" for friends so i am always hearing about the latest thing to soup up either one of those dodge/cummins trucks or the ford/internationals. Although, the chevy is not brought up very much though lol. If it is, its to say "never buy one". Nobody seems to like the Isuzu diesel. 

[Captkaos]

Personally, I love the Duramax
As for harmonic dampeners, I wouldn't think twice about a fluiddamper or any other balancer if I had the money to spend.

[ccz145a]

Well, I guess I should have mentioned that I am cheap. I think you could spend that $300 somewhere else and see more return unless your spinning that thing really fast.

[Captkaos]

I agree, if it is a stock motor, I would just get a replacement balancer. 

[Blue 82]

These are a good deal
they have the degrees stamped on the outer ring
makes tuning much easier
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZZ4-5-7-350-SBC-Harmonic-Balancer-GM-88960604-OEM_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQitemZ110305773026

[VileZambonie]

Just buy one of these

http://www.autozone.com/R,927939/vehicleId,1120904/initialAction,partProductDetail/store,5152/partType,00665/shopping/partProductDetail.htm

[Blue 82]

here's a better look at the degree marks

[SUX2BU99]

I know this is an old thread but now I'm trying to determine where my engine vibration is coming from, if that's what it is. With the rubber isolator, that breaks down over time? I presume having oil on it would quicken that process? And dampers are keyed on to the crankshaft right, so how would it be that they might spin off their mark? Broken woodruff key I guess but that's about all I could see causing that.