Oil pan question
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,015
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From: Gulf Coast, MS
Oil pan question
I am replacing my 300. The one coming out is the original 76 model and going back with an 85 block. The donar vehicle was a 4x4 so I knew off the top that the oil pans were different but after closer looking the oil dipstick is through the oil pan as where on my 76 its in the block. Looking under the truck there looks to be space between the bottom of the oil pan and the crossmember and the sump on the 4x4 pan is further back than the one on mine so it should clear the cross member but I am wondering in the steering components may interfere.
Has anyone done this and can tell me if this will work or will I have to find another oil pan from a 2 wheel drive truck but later model style oil pan with dipstick in the pan????
Has anyone done this and can tell me if this will work or will I have to find another oil pan from a 2 wheel drive truck but later model style oil pan with dipstick in the pan????
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
The 300 in my '81 originally has the dip stick going into the pan.
The 300 that came in my '84 has the dipstick going into the block with a pan with no hole in it. However, the hole is too far forward and the dipstick just hits the upper part of the pan and I can't ever check the oil level on it.
My assumption is that the block is from an earlier year 300 (mid 70s?) with a mid-sump oil pan:
And then they put a later year rear sump oil pan on it where it goes through the block again (later 80s/90s?)
The combo simply doesn't work because, as stated, the dipstick just hits the pan and curls, never touching oil. The only time I ever know for sure what the oil level is is right after I change the oil.
The 300 that came in my '84 has the dipstick going into the block with a pan with no hole in it. However, the hole is too far forward and the dipstick just hits the upper part of the pan and I can't ever check the oil level on it.
My assumption is that the block is from an earlier year 300 (mid 70s?) with a mid-sump oil pan:
And then they put a later year rear sump oil pan on it where it goes through the block again (later 80s/90s?)
The combo simply doesn't work because, as stated, the dipstick just hits the pan and curls, never touching oil. The only time I ever know for sure what the oil level is is right after I change the oil.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
As far as axles and stuff? That I'm not sure about. I wouldn't think so though, since the oil pan change was to accommodate for the front switch from solid axle to TTB, which both 2wd and 4wd trucks got.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Gulf Coast, MS
Any question not asked is a stupid one. Welcome to the world of the 6 cylinder. To answer your question, the original pan does not have the dipstick through the pan it is through the block so if I switch the pans I will have no dipstick at all.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Grafton, Ohio
It's my reading comprehension that was lacking. You outlined all of that on your original post. Thanks for the info!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: South central, Minnesota
It's been a while since I had a 2wd 70's truck. The engines sit high enough I can't see there being any issues with steering part clearances. The only thing I can see possibly having any clearance issues might be the crossmember under the bell housing area. I think it's far enough back and hangs low enough not to be a problem. But I can't say 100% for sure.
My suggestion would be install the 85 engine and check for any issues. I really doubt there will be any. It's not the easiest way to do it but it'll get the job done.
You could also look on the 85 block and see if there is a dipstick tube boss in the correct location for the center sump oil pan. I doubt it has one. But I've learned to never say never when it comes to Fords.
If you run into clearance issues with the rear sump and the block doesn't have the boss for the center sump dipstick tube. Then you might have to make one that will go into the side of your center sump pan.
My suggestion would be install the 85 engine and check for any issues. I really doubt there will be any. It's not the easiest way to do it but it'll get the job done.
You could also look on the 85 block and see if there is a dipstick tube boss in the correct location for the center sump oil pan. I doubt it has one. But I've learned to never say never when it comes to Fords.
If you run into clearance issues with the rear sump and the block doesn't have the boss for the center sump dipstick tube. Then you might have to make one that will go into the side of your center sump pan.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Gulf Coast, MS
Thanks Fordman75, I think you are right, there should be enough clearance. The crossmember is actually under the mid sump right now with the old engine still in it. As I said my biggest fear is going to be the steering but I think I have decided to just drop it in and see what is what.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: South central, Minnesota
Thanks Fordman75, I think you are right, there should be enough clearance. The crossmember is actually under the mid sump right now with the old engine still in it. As I said my biggest fear is going to be the steering but I think I have decided to just drop it in and see what is what.
) .
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Gulf Coast, MS
I took pictures of what you are talking about to make sure thats what you are talking about but I cant upload them for some reason BUT the part you are talking about is a good ways from the bellhousing so will not interfere with the sump. If i can ever upload the pictures you will see what I am talking about.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,293
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
I took pictures of what you are talking about to make sure thats what you are talking about but I cant upload them for some reason BUT the part you are talking about is a good ways from the bellhousing so will not interfere with the sump. If i can ever upload the pictures you will see what I am talking about.
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