DSM timing belt/balance shaft belt replacement

[Primer_Drift]

I'm doing a timing belt replacement for a friend with a 2g DSM. He wants to know if he can eliminate the balance shaft belt and to reduce rotational mass without adversely affecting his engine. I know on my H22 I removed it, but the motor was fully balanced so it wasn't necessary.
My understanding is that their main purpose is to decrease engine vibration, most notabley at idle. Are they necessary on the 4g63? Has any DSM owner here removed it without problems?

Lastly any special precautions for doing this T-belt replacement?
Thanks, I really appreciate any input here as DSM's are not my forte by far.

[b_t]

you'll need some parts to remove the balance shafts properly. Do NOT just take the belt off and leave the shaft in.
there are actually a couple in the engine, one in the front and one in the rear. the one you are talking about is the rear one (I believe). that is the one you must take out. some people leave the front one in with no problems, but you probably should just remove both. some people say you can do it with the engine in, but that would be a pain in the ass.
here is a guide walking through how to remove the balance shafts... http://www.vfaq.com/mods/balance-shafts.html you'll have to change it a bit on the 2nd gen but it will still be the same basic steps

alright, I just double checked it... you can leave the front one in and cut the belt, but you should get a stub shaft to replace the rear one.

[Primer_Drift]

Oh crap I see why now, the rear balance shaft is integrated with the oil pump :P
Thanks for the link, its very informative