4Crawlin Build Thread

[Trail X]

That pesky oil pan....

Looks like there is going to be some custom work on that big thing. About the only way to clear it, is run about 14" of suspension lift. Thats just too tall.

At least with the axle Im running, the diff itself will be offset enough to the drivers side to clear. Now I just have the issue of axle tube to drain plug. (Im pushing the axle forward 4-6")

I assume you'll cut it up and TIG some aluminum plate together. The biggest issue being that the oil pickup is in the front of the sump:



This gives you an idea of what you're going to be working with on the inside of the pan:



You can probably raise the area a good 5" or so, but you'll have to have an external sump or something to keep the capacity at 7 quarts.

I'd also consider adding internal baffles to keep the oil wherever your oil pickup is. Currently it's at the deepest part of the pan and doesn't seem to starve the engine of oil very often (a couple people have reported low oil pressure when going up steel banks though). But you seem pretty smart, so I probably didn't need to state the obvious.

Just some food for thought.

[chevycrew]

I'm going to try to just trim the front half of the deepest part of the sump, maybe just move the entire sump back 4" or so?
Not sure yet, but those pics are very helpful.

[OregTrailBlazin]

You build a new pickup tube for the oil pump too, and move the whole sump to the rear. I've seen it done in reverse on a SBC..

[bdp1978]

Fyi..if it helps cost I may be willing to pony up for an oil pan since I will definitely need one someday...soon I hope.

Are you planning to do a SAS or something?




chevycrew- sweet work on making this a reality, this is going to be a great thread to watch.

[chevycrew]

Was there ever a price posted on those oil pans? I don't remember seeing it.

[chevycrew]

You build a new pickup tube for the oil pump too, and move the whole sump to the rear. I've seen it done in reverse on a SBC..

I'm looking more along the lines of a center sump, with a long engine its easier to starve the pickup under extreme angles.

[HARDTRAILZ]

I was quoted 600ish.

[chevycrew]

ouch...


Im hoping I can cut up the pan, cut out some new aluminum, and have it welded up locally for a lot less than that.

I may pay $600 for a street rig oil pan, but not for a offroad rig!

[chevycrew]

Update: (not much)

Got my doubler stuff mocked up and the t-case is out having the blockoff plate welded up.

Sliders are now ordered and Ill be waiting for them.

Wheels spacers are now in my hands.


Getting closer to go time!

[chevycrew]

Doubler all assembled and ready to go in.



27 spline 5 bolt 231c, with a 32 spline 6 bolt 241c.

4x4machine Box 4 Rocks doubler, JB Conversions SYE kit.

[fishsticks]

Sexy...

[chevycrew]

I managed to sneak some time today.

I had previously removed the bumper/hitch. So, tonight I took the torch too it, and freed the thin wanna-be bumper. Next was drilling some holes. I was able to reuse the factory front bolts, but the 4 rear bolts needed redrilled. Since the hitch was thicker than the frame, I chose to redrill those holes. The factory nuts pound out rather easy, just thread in a bolt and hit with a hammer. Once the hitch was painted, I reinstalled it in the upside down position.

The rear inner fenders were removed for the future removal of the rear lower body corners.


Here are some crappy night pictures:

[bartonmd]

That works out great with the body lift!

Mike

[Trail X]

Are you planning to add some plate or tube to the rear bumper?, using the base as a starting point? Cool concept.

[chevycrew]

Yes the hitch is just the base for a new bumper. Im going to be adding a bunch of tube.

For anyone thinking of doing this, a body lift is not required.

[chevycrew]

Little body cutting before I go to work. I still need to clean it up and weld in filler panels.

(Before shots can be seen in earlier pictures)

[MrSmithsTB]

Temp tag still in the window and you're cutting things off. Love it!

[Trail X]

Are you going to just plate over it, or are you going to add a vent?

[chevycrew]

I will just plate over it. I'd rather have the negatives of no vent, over having a place for water to enter.

I might trim farther up too, just depends where my tires hit.

[chevycrew]

Sliders made it!

Thats on the agenda for this weekend, along with some other stuff.