Just how much can I cut the oil pan down?

[TheBac]

Does anyone have an engine sitting without the oil pan on it that can measure how far the "bottom" of the oil pump pickup is from the pan rail?

Trying to see if I can cut 2" off the front sump of my upper oil pan. Windage tray is already removed.

 

[JoshH]

It is closer than that, but you can section the pickup to maintain clearance to the bottom of the oil pan.

 

[kidturbo]

I have a block and pan setting in the garage, but no pumps. If you look at my twins thread there should be some good pics of that front area. Would just need to compare height between med duty style I run, and regular upper pans.

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[TheBac]

Doing some rough measuring, I think I could take 1" out, but thats still not enough to set the engine down over the rack/pinion. It would be easier to bite the bullet and put a 2" body lift on her, so thats what I think I'll do.

 

[clrussell]

Didn’t Russ have a pan cut way down on the nova??

And the trailblazer ss guy?

 

[TheBac]

I dont remember. That TB guy was wayyyyyy beyond my fab skill level. I wonder how that truck turned out?


Anyways, I may have solved the whole problem. Possibly found a 4x4 frame on FB Marketplace. Waiting on a reply.

 

[kidturbo]

For comparison purposes, med duty upper is 3.5" from block to the bottom.

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[lutzjk913]

I dont remember. That TB guy was wayyyyyy beyond my fab skill level. I wonder how that truck turned out?


Anyways, I may have solved the whole problem. Possibly found a 4x4 frame on FB Marketplace. Waiting on a reply.

The trailblazer guy is still building it.

 

[TheBac]

KT, thats about the same as the regular upper pan. The whole stumbling block for me was the oil pickup running through there.

Joe, I wish he'd come back and post his progress. That was a cool project.

No worries, though. Found a complete rolling 4x4 frame INCLUDING the cab for $250 pending me checking it for cracks at the rear cab mounts/front spring hangers. Go look at it Sunday.

Hell, I might be able to build two trucks if this checks out good. :hehe: Got a good 5.3/4L60 in the shop....

 

[PureHybrid]

You have a 2wd setup now? Are you going 4wd?

 

[TheBac]

Want to stay 2wd but not out of the realm to go 4x4 if I have to (Damn it, now I wish I didnt sell the 263 TC a couple years ago). Need the 4x4 frame to lower the engine down enough. The rack/pinion is causing too many issues, so Id rather start over.

 

[PureHybrid]

I didn't realize the 1/2 ton frames were that different going from 2wd to 4wd

 

[TheBac]

Yup. I was just reading Chris's 1/2 ton thread from 6 years ago, and that was my stumbling block back then, too. :hehe:

 

[SmokeShow]

IIRC he did 4wd 1500 frame AND he still had to do a small body lift didn't he? for clearance and front cooling stack fitment? I still wish I woulda bought his truck.

 

[TheBac]

I am not sure. Cant remember.