Great article - Balance Shafts!

[Goat Blower]

While I agree with many points and almost put the balance shafts back in my 2.4 last winter, the idea that the balance shafts have anything to do with minimizing crankshaft harmonics doesn't make sense. The balance shafts are both connected to the crank via belts, even if they were direct gear driven, I can't see it making any difference. They are simply there to smooth out the engine overall, not the crank.

I find it interesting that the harmonic whip could actually affect your drivetrain all the way back to the pumpkin. Seems a little far fetched to me, but I have had that coast down gear whine forever and I've rebuilt everything from the tranny back to the rear diff, maybe there's something to that. Just for that alone, I'd probably put them back in this winter, it's getting smoother and quieter with every new mod I do.