I cracked the harmonic balancer (around one of the pulley bolts) during a timing cover install to fix a water leak.

Went to call the dealership today and the 1996 damper is $200+ and discontinued, while the 1995 is $85. The dealership says the 1995 will not work on my 1996 because there was a sensor ring in the 1996.

I didn't notice anything exceptionally unique about this thing but wondering if someone here can help me confirm which one I have, and what I need to look for to be sure.

I will try to get pictures up tonight of the one I have.

When searching online the parts list goes for 1992-1996, and another line for 1996 by itself.

I appreciate any help and knowledge on this one, I'm borrowing a car until I get mine finished and need to get the part as soon as possible.

Thanks!

 

If your '96 is OBD-2 like it should be then it will have a crank sensor with the balancer mounted sensor ring. It may be possible to transfer this ring to an older balancer but I'm not sure on that. If your truck is somehow an OBD-1 vehicle however then it won't have a crank sensor and you can use a '95 balancer on it.

 

Thanks, it appears that is the ticket (4 prong reluctor ring to trigger the magnetic sensor).

Any idea if a newer model one will work?

 

"numberdummy" is the expert on parts interchangeability. I would send him a PM.

 

Thanks, I sent the PM to numberdummy.

I might've found one used, waiting on a callback to confirm.

 

Only one harmonic balancer is listed in the 1980/89 & 1990/2001 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalogs for 1988/96 351W

E8TZ6316B .. 351W Harmonic Balancer / Available from Ford / Fits: 1988/96 F150/350, F(Super Duty), Bronco & Econoline.

MSRP: $108.50 // FTE Ford Dealer Parts Dept. sponsor PARTSGUYED.COM price: $78.12.

For further assistance, type this part number into Ed's website to see all the myriad applications.

For further assistance, pass along your VIN and question to PARTSGUYED.COM (Ed Olson, parts manager of Horizon Ford in Seattle WA)

 

Wow!!! numberdummy you just broke 30K posts not to long ago! Congrats!!!!

 

Don't applaud, just throw money!

 

numberdummy - thank you!

 

I spent a couple hours at the salvage yard and none of the vehicles had this piece (red arrow) on the harmonic balancers. I believe this is the unique part of the 1996 model, but will send my VIN as suggested.

EDIT: Just an FYI but this piece appears to be pressed on, not attached by a fastener that I can see.