Stock CUCV Harmonic Balancer Upgrade

[AFGVET]

I replaced my stock GM harmonic balancer—Big Difference!

So I had been debating on replacing the stock harmonic balancer for a Fluidampr (Part No. 720121) But the predominance of the information out there essentially boiled down to: Fluidampr's are really good, but they cost too much and for what, just a little improvement?
Well I am here to call (redacted).
Edit: Well I am here to say that that has not been my experience. The change was immediately noticeable.
My wife took one ride in the truck afterward and immediately asked, "What did you do to it? It’s quieter." That sealed it, The Fluidampr was well worth the money. I mean, I could tell, but her?
Now after 9 months of driving, I can say the difference is real: smoother idle, less vibration, and it just feels stronger overall. Well worth it if you’re considering a new harmonic balancer. But hey, there is always time to do it twice for more money.

ALSO
I have refrained from posting here on SteelSoldiers because of the poor treatment I received from moderators the last time I posted what I felt was good info. (Someone didn't like my words)
However, I felt that the "Troops" here deserved to hear about my experience with this product.

 

[nyoffroad]

So, I take it that you DID go with the Fluiddampner? Good the hear it worked. Personally, I've never tried one, but I have seen a difference when changing from an auto to a manual trans. I guess the extra weight of flywheel/clutch and pressure plate smoothed it out.

 

[AFGVET]

Nyoffroad,
Thank you for pointing out that many people are analytically impaired and may not have understood what I was attempting to communicate.

To provide clarity and communicate down to the Least Common Denominator I will leverage the time tested and proven 5Ws framework that clearly defines the: Who, What, When, Where, and Why of my actions.

• Who: I performed all work myself—no shop involved, just me, my tools, and a healthy dose of patience.
• What: I swapped out the stock GM harmonic balancer for a Fluidampr (part number: 720121). It was a direct fit. No drama—torqued everything to spec.
• When: Installed it 9 months ago, and I've been driving it since.
• Where: Right in the driveway in clear defiance of the On-Post regulation prohibiting any type of work beyond basic "auto related activities"* while flies and the neighbors pestered me. Nothing fancy, just an afternoon of solid wrenching.
• Why: I was chasing smoother engine operation and long-term durability from the replacement. And based on how it feels now—mission accomplished.

* (humor) For those of you that have responded in other posts, or DMed me to state that certain repairs are simply done and I should "man up" and undertake them myself, this is the list (Pulled Directly from the Corvias website, behind the resident firewall) of the ONLY permitted automotive maintenance activities a service member can perform in his garage or in the driveway of his On-Post housing unit.

Resident Automotive Maintenance Allowed in Driveways, Garages, or in the On-Post Housing Areas

• Washing your personal vehicle (Only if permitted in your neighborhood, and only using approved eco-friendly products and methods. Residents may not wash boats, motor homes, trailers or campers.)
• Checking and inflating tires (This includes inspecting tire tread depth.)
• Inspection of spare tire and jack
• Inspection and tightening of loose gas caps (NOTE: Refueling of vehicles by residents using fuel cans is expressly forbidden at all times.)
• Checking vehicle oil level (The replacement of all automotive fluids is prohibited in On-Post housing areas. Residents may not add oil to their vehicles in the housing areas.)
• Replacing windshield wipers
• Changing light bulbs (The removal and replacement of headlight assemblies is prohibited.)
• Replacing automotive fuses (Fuses may not to exceed 35 amps.)
• Testing emergency brake while incline (Safely, and with a safety plan in place in the event of failure.)
• Vacuuming or cleaning the interior your personal vehicle (Residents may not vacuum boats, motor homes, trailers or campers.)
• Installing seat covers or floor mats
• Replacing license plate frames or registration decals
• Replacing or augmenting rear view or side view mirrors
• Inspecting the opening and closing of all windows to ensure smooth operation
• Jump-starting a vehicle (Only briefly, with a fire extinguisher present and following proper safety precautions)
• Listening for unusual engine sounds (While in compliance with the rules of not running or idling engines for extended periods.)
• Installing child safety seats
• Changing wheel coverings
• Polishing wheels and exhaust tip (Only using approved eco-friendly products and methods.)
• Minor cosmetic touch-ups (e.g., applying eco-friendly waxes or polishes. No paint or "paint-like" cover-up applications are permitted.)
  
  

The list of things a service member cannot do is even longer, and again behind a firewall (probably so as not to discourage leasing).
I am considering posting that list just for some more humor, or not. Who knows.

BOTTOM LINE:
Fluidampr: Good /// On-Post housing Contract management: Bad