4.0L SOHC Balance Shaft Elimination

[bustdnukls]

I have my son's 99 4x2 apart due to failed jack shaft tensioner. It had a 98 4.0L SOHC 4x4 engine installed several years ago. I learned this when I observed the balance shaft (also with failed tensioner).

Since this is a 4x2, can I safely remove and eliminate the balance shaft, leaving only the crank gear in place?

 

[kevinspann]

I know this is pretty late, but you should be able to do this IF you plug the oil passages to the balance shaft. Non balance shaft engines have plugs in place.

 

[bustdnukls]

Eliminated balance shaft

Kevin,

I decided to leave the shaft in place to block the oil supply ports, but I eliminated the drive chain and tensioner. The engine is running just fine.



Thanks for your response,
Bill

 

[speeddemon101]

Balance Shaft Elimination

Looks like my Balance Shaft chain tensioner is shot also....do you have to drop the oil pans to eliminate the chain/tensioner or can you do this with just the front cover off? thanks for any info! Ron