I was just wondering if anyone recommends cutting the counterweight off the rear balance shaft and leaving the rest of the shaft in to the bearing to support the oil pump. Any input?

Yes it will work if you turn it down so that it is symmetrical, and it will distribute the load more evenly on the oil pump gears.

At the same time some weight is still there, and you still risk spinning the balance shaft bearing if there ever was some sort of failure, which in turn could take out the engine if it decided to seize.

That is the worst case scenario though. If you are more worried about distributing the load evenly, then yes it is a good idea.
Personally, I have never had a problem with the stub shaft, but then again I don't rev to 9k.

thanks for the input reza!

I went with the turned down BS. Just over 30,000kms on the rebuilt motor with a bunch of abuse thrown in, no issues.

There's potential for failure with and without the balance shaft. People have been doing either option with success.

Mine looks like this:

I like!

I'd cut mine down short, leaving a few inches on the end, and threaded a bolt in and sealed it. Didn't have any issues, but then I don't own the car anymore.

anyone know if a 4g63n/t has the same shafts as a turbo? thanks in advance.

Yep, same.

thanks Rob! Your knowledge is endless!

Tashko, thats exactly what I just finished doing.

I figured, the shaft is longer, so it has a better lever against the pull of the timing belt tension, and is distributing the load over 2 bearings instead of one. And the oil pump is going to be tensioned the same as the stocker. Sometimes gears don't like side loads that have changed even slightly once they have worn in.

Plus it was cheaper for me to have this done than to buy a stub shaft.

I just left the front one be, with no belt or tensioner.

update, car has been on the road now for a few days and it seems to be working well. Good oil pressure, and hardly any more vibration over stock. Some, but with poly motor mounts, and 3" exhaust, its hardly noticable.