440 Oil Pan Gasket (Ford F100)

[matnetik]

Hello all,

Long time listener, first-time caller! Been browsing the forums for a bit to gain some knowledge and insights on this engine. (During COVID, I built a ‘ 68 Mustang, so I’m familiar with Ford, and this is a bit of a change for me.)

In June, I bought a ‘ 55' Ford F100 - the kicker here is it has a 440 Big Block in it. I was told the engine was out of a ‘ 67 Dodge Charger (I doubt it ha!) and it has a 3-speed auto. Just removed the chrome valve covers and put on some aluminum covers and new gaskets to solve one of the major oil leaks. The engine runs great, no issues at all (other than it gets a bit hot in the summer, saw some 220º sitting at stop lights, and it has a pretty massive electric fan, but that’s a fix for another day).

I picked up a new oil pan gasket, drained the oil, removed all the bolts, including the transmission cover flap, but I’m unsure how to get this pan out; it seems like I can't even get it below the transmission to the rod below it. Any help would be great; I know it's quite an odd project. Was thinking to remove an engine mount bolt and jack the engine up a few inches for clearance? Any advice or thoughts welcome; I appreciate it ahead of time!

 

[Don67Satellite]

The rear lip of the pan is resting inside the trans bell. It looks like if you can get it to drop below that, that you might have enough clearance on what I assume is a straight axle to slide the pan rearward, but I can't tell for sure from these pics.

 

[matnetik]

The rear lip of the pan is resting inside the trans bell. It looks like if you can get it to drop below that, that you might have enough clearance on what I assume is a straight axle to slide the pan rearward, but I can't tell for sure from these pics.

Yeah that was me wiggling and moving it every way I could, after removing the trans cover I was able to get it there but the support frame is preventing me from moving it in any other direction - going to have another go at it this weekend but thought I'd ask here first haha - oh yeah here is the truck!

 

[Don67Satellite]

The pic of your block I think is 7/6/66 so definitely a '67 vintage 440.

As you said, you may have to jack up the motor for some more clearance.

 

[ckessel]

Like the old Playtex Bra slogan from years ago: Lift and Separate.

 

[matnetik]

Haha - I am just hoping I don't need to unbolt the transmission, trying to avoid that nightmare!