1994 3.0L V6 Mighty Max Project in the PNW

[B-Line]

Had this same thing happen to our V6 Ram 50. Yours looks not nearly as bad. Felt like it took forever to find out why my engine was making so much noise. Then one day my power steering slowly faded out on me. That’s when I knew. It took out my key way and dug into the crank.

Picked up a new key, shield, HB and bolt and put it all back together. To answer your question yes the HB should be a snug fit but it should go on until you year and feel it stop against the crank. I spent extra time cleaning off the crank and applying grease to the crank to ensure it went back together well. That bolt appears to be correct and should thread easily. If not get a tap and thread it. Whomever serviced it last probably crossed threads or it was damaged by all that violence. I have a feeling mine wasn’t torqued properly when last serviced which caused it to back out.

Double check your crank, shield and key aren’t damaged. If they are it might be enough to keep you from reinstalling correctly.