Chrysler Repair: harmonic balancer (damper), 3.3L, negative battery cable, dodge minivan

Question
how difficult is it to replace the harmony balancer on a 1999 dodge minivan 3.3 motor

Answer
Hi Tad,
While I haven't done this myself, it is pretty straight forward according to the '98 manual I have.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Raise right front corner of vehicle and support
Remove right front wheel and inner splash shield that separates the wheel well from the front of the engine.
Remove the drive belts that go around the pulley.
Then remove the pulley (balancer) using an appropriate size puller (drawing shows tool #1023, probably Miller brand 3-arm with ears that hook to the outside of the inner opening) and a tool to protect the end on the crankshaft (L-4524). It doesn't mention removing the bolt but that must be necessary.
Installation is the reverse. It shows a 5.9" bolt screw, thrust bearing and washer plate (L-4524 again, must be part of the same tool). Torque to 40 foot-pounds.
Interestingly, my Haynes manual (#30011) shows a two arm puller that with its ears attached to the inner side of the openings, and also suggests sticking a screwdriver or prybar into the flex plate tooth at the bell housing to keep the crank from turning when you unbolt and boltup. It does mention a special "installation tool, available at most autoparts stores" to use when installing the new one, and also to grease the shaft and inner surface of the hub where it would come in contact with the crankshaft oil seal. If you can't get the special tool to install it, it says to use the bolt and several washers for spacers, as long as you don't exceed 40 foot-pounds when torqueing it on. Then remove the washers once you have it seated on the crankshaft. I think what is shown in the Haynes manual is a practical approach. So you might want to get that manual and the installation tool.
Roland