460 crank question

[billd5string]

Okay - I've got this 460 which was rebuilt at a machine shop some years ago, then never installed. I am pulling apart the bottom end to make sure all is good - so far it looks great. But there is some kind of collar on the crank I don't know what this thing is, or how to get it off. It is keyed, but on the opposite side as the crank key. So help me out guys, what is this thing and more importantly, how do I get it off (and back on again when I am ready)?

[rmk57]

It's a spacer for an internally balanced 460. Usually they just slide off. You may want to try tapping it with a dead blow hammer and see if it will loosen up or try rocking it back and forth with a pipe wrench to it crack it loose. Like I said they normally slide on and off quite easily.

[billd5string]

It slides back and forth, but the keyway isn't aligned with the key. So if they normally just slide off, then maybe I just need to encourage this one to turn and line up with the crank key.

Thanks!

[rmk57]

Remove the small key for the balancer and it will slide off easily.

[billd5string]

Remove the small key for the balancer and it will slide off easily.

I see, then the key does have to come out. So I can just use a punch and hammer to tap that out then - is that correct? Sorry for the newbie questions, this is my first big block Ford that I've worked on.  Assuming the key does just come out with a punch and a hammer, does it need to be replaced with a new one when I put it back together or does everyone just put the same key back in?

Thanks again for your help!

[rmk57]

Exactly. It has to come anyway as the balancer key is slightly wider than the spacer/ timing gear key. Iv'e reused them if there in good shape, most auto parts stores should have an assortment of woodruff keys on hand.

[RayDav]

It's a spacer for an internally balanced 460.

Considering the context, I think it useful to elaborate on that.  460s, of any size, can be either external or internal balanced.  If external, that spacer will have a bob weight hanging off it, and there will be weights on the flexplate, and the internal rotating assembly will be built to match.  Don't mix internal/external balanced parts.

[billd5string]

That did it, I am back in business. Thanks Gents!