Is pinning the crank an absolute must when installing a paxton?

[oufan2929]

Does the stock paxton kit come w/a pinning tool or kit? Is it a definite must? I was talking w/a tuner today about it and he said it wasn't necessary, but said they could do it if I wanted to. It was my understanding you always do it no matter what. But correct me if I'm wrong! Is it that big of a deal? What do you think/do Doug (DLM)? Thanks--Andy

 

[chimazo]

Does the stock paxton kit come w/a pinning tool or kit? Is it a definite must? I was talking w/a tuner today about it and he said it wasn't necessary, but said they could do it if I wanted to. It was my understanding you always do it no matter what. But correct me if I'm wrong! Is it that big of a deal? What do you think/do Doug (DLM)? Thanks--Andy

Granted, I am coming from the Corvette side of forced induction, but since the Viper crank pulley is also just an interference (pressed on) fit, then you should ALWAYS pin the crank. There have been instances of crank pullies coming loose even without a blower. You should be able to do it yourself - it's not rocket science, and I don't think you need to pull out the steering rack like I had to on my Z06.

The Paxton kit comes with a dowel (pin) and fixture, and I even think a drill bit is included.

Oh yeah, I'd also think about finding another "tuner."

 

[plumcrazy]

YES you have to pin the crank.

doug levin told me way back when i was doing my install to use the roe pinning kit.

its easy to do, but you DO have to go SLOW to get it perfect. I drilled the balancer first on a drill press and used those already drilled holes to help guide the drill bit go thru the crank. it came out perfect.

 

[Art 138]

Believe Doug "keys" them to the crank; he showed me an example of a stock pin that had snapped on a crankshaft pulley (at his shop). I highly recommend you call him as this is nothing to take chances on.....

 

[plumcrazy]

keying a crank is only done if the crank is OUT of the car......but call doug regardless

 

[Viper X]

I'd suggest you buy an ATS damper. The stock damper wasn't designed to handle the additional load of a super charger.

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Yes, you must pin it. You may actually have your mind blown at how loose it is already.
Nothing is going to break the Roe pins.
Key or pin..your choice...one can be done without removing the crank.

 

[SnakeEye]

Imo if you do use a pin make sure it's a rolled/hardened type pin or key it as you certainly do not want a failure on the crank.

 

[Kenneth Krieger]

When I had to "break loose" the crank pulley bolt on my 05, it was a bear!!! Had to buy a larger 3/4 drive torque wrench just to get it loose. I STOOD on the brake while I had a friend "loosen" the crank pulley bolt. When they say they are torqued to 250 ft. lbs. at the factory, at least in my car is was every bit of that! Drilled out the crank pulley on the car with a 90 degree drill and pinned it right there. It was the most difficult job of the entire install. then had to do the opposite to torque it back ON to 250 ft. lbs.

 

[kcobean]

I pinned the crank on my car even without a supercharger. Why? Because the crank pulley fell off the car, TWICE (wish the last guy to work on it before me had either pinned it or at least replaced the damper since, as stated before it's an interference fit and once you pull it off it'll NEVER be as tight a fit as it was on the first press).

ETA: I don't know why Dodge didn't reverse thread the damper bolt....would have saved a whole lot of headache if they had.