First question.
Harmonic balancer:
Replace or Clean and reuse?
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That one is just getting started. I the first picture top right you can see the rubber raising
That being said, it could take another 20 years, or could say bye bye as soon as you put it back together from disturbing it

Being you will probably keep the truck into your next life, I would replace it, just so as not to have to doo it again in the future

 

Thank you.
It's hard to see in the picture.
The rubber is fairly even all the way around.
It's not that expensive but I did spend a lot of money on the intake a couple months ago.

 

Replace. Why take a chance......

 

As long as the rubber is even, and not cracked or dry rotted, Go with it
The problem with the damper is the rubber slips, and turns, causing timing problems
You can see a bad damper with a timing light, it "wavers" back and forth, when it first starts to go

Ones it goes, it won't stay on time, your timing mark moves,, and the damper becomes different, making the counter weight move.
It will make a balance vibration in the motor that is hard to diagnosis

 

Looks like a balacer and timing set are getting ordered. Don't like spending the money but I'm going to do this twice.

 

If someone wants to do a write up I will take more pictures.

 

I can help you with it if you want Chris

 

Next question any suggestions on parts manufactures?
For the balancer I am seeing Dorman listed a lot.

 

I bought Napa brand parts.

 

Missed it, sorry Chris
NAPA is fine.

 

New question.
The key that goes in the crankshaft under timing gear and harmonic balancer. What is the best way to make sure the thing is installed right?

 

smear a tiny amount of grease on crankshaft end where damper goes. very small amount

I sit the key on the crank with it sticking out a tiny bit
set the damper on, and push it back far as it will go by hand
the key will follow the damper
use your install tool to pull the damper the rest of the way
Put your pulley on to make sure damper is in correct spot with rest of pulleys, it has to line up perfect, or it will eat belts
Use a straight edge and double check.

 

At least on my rig it looks like the key also holds the gear on the crankshaft. Doesn't look like I will be able to see that when the timing cover is back on.

 

Goes on same way, put the keyway in, set the gear.