Replacing timing chain question. RB

[GOLDMYN]

LOL, at that point I had already installed to a point, oh well.

 

[GOLDMYN]

*** UPDATE**** well, I finished up today, never did get my alternator back from the rebuild shop, so I took the one off my GOLD NewYorker and swapped, I started the car and it ran near perfect, the idle was up 1/4 turn, I suspect the new chain had something to do with that. I would say, not a bad job to tackle but experience does help . The old chain while worn didn't have any chipped or broken teeth, not bad for 75K mile car. I did keep the AC compressor off this time, just bought a smaller belt. we'll see how that goes.

 

[patinated_imperial]

A little late to the game; but I read a tip on this forum to use the bolt for the crank pulley from a small block to press on the balancer. It is the same thread, but a longer bolt. It worked well for me.
In a very similar situation I changed the chain on my 440 last year, when I was chasing some erratic driving/surging. It became a lot easier to set timing after that: It stopped "wondering" at idle.

EDIT: here is a picture of both bolts together: Yet another "erratic at cruise"

 

[GOLDMYN]

Just to mention, I used these special bolts on the timing chain cover

Mopar Chrysler Dodge Big Block 383 400 440 Timing Cover bolts set Self Locking | eBay