The balancer is a press-fit onto the crank. The bolt is only there for security, or in some cases it holds the pulley on...
Chances are, you need a more rugged balancer puller...
A flimsy Pep-boys puller will flex and fight with you...
Put a synthetic grease on the threads of the puller to make it easier to crank on...
Make sure the bolts going into the balancer are all the same length and screwed in the same distance...This insures it will pull straight, and not crooked...
Be sure not to booger up the threads in the crank when pushing against it with the puller...
Don't forget...
What comes off, MUST go back on...
The balancer will be just as much of a pain to re-install...
There is a tool called a "Balancer installation tool". Be sure to use one...
DO NOT beat on it with a hammer...
If you crack the outer inertia ring, it will explode at high RPM's...
I've got both of these tools in my toolbox. If you want a pic of what they look like, email me...
[email]
[email protected][/email]
PS...
I just replaced the timing chain & gears on my '94 454 Suburban 2 weeks ago...
I know EXACTLY what you're going through...[:D]