Oil pan replacement

[Sat1968gdt]

Does the engine need to be pulled on a 1968 satellite 383 oil pan change? It looks really tight. Thinking about doing the garage change with jacks, etc. Thoughts from those with experience appreciated.

 

[65-440]

No ! .. not at all, let the steering linkage hang down then the pan will drop out

 

[747mopar]

Pulled the pan on my 400 based stroker by dropping the idler and pitman arm, pretty easy once the steering bar is dropped.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

No ! .. not at all, let the steering linkage hang down then the pan will drop out

I've done it the way 65-440 describes a couple times & this way does not affect your alignment. Just disconnect the center steering linkage from the idler & pitman arms and let it hang down.

 

[wyrmrider]

and use Heavy duty jack stands- not those cheap 3 legged muffler tubing crap
a couple of spare tires under the frame as backup

 

[WileE]

You don't have to pull the centerlink off the pitman. Disconnect both tie rods and the idler arm off the centerlink. The centerlink can be pivoted out of the way. Done it this way for over 45 years.

 

[oldbee]

Gotta correct WileE. I think you can disconnect idler arm & rt.tie rod and turn steering to right and there’s enuf room. (Seem to remember(?))

 

[Sat1968gdt]

Sounds good with the info/experience provided. Also about the extra check on jack stands w/ backup. Greatly appreciate the info. Will check the arms as a aftermarket rack and pinion system has been installed. The unisteer.

 

[65-440]

aftermarket rack and pinion system has been installed. The unisteer.

Oh, well that may change things a bit !

 

[WileE]

Gotta correct WileE. I think you can disconnect idler arm & rt.tie rod and turn steering to right and there’s enuf room. (Seem to remember(?))

Can't say I ever tried, since once I did it my way, I 've never tried any other. Pop the ends off, pull off the idler, and swing it out of the way within a few minutes. I'm trying to visualize your way, can't see how the centerlink would not still be crossing under the pan ?

 

[5.7 hemi]

It would still be crossing the pan, just dropped down quite a bit and this will allow the pan to come out.

 

[Sat1968gdt]

I will get under and have a look at the arms for movement. That is the bottom line. Thanks for all the info.

 

[khryslerkid]

I will get under and have a look at the arms for movement. That is the bottom line. Thanks for all the info.

Take a pic or two of your rack and pinion when you're under there and post them.

 

[Sat1968gdt]

Will do!

 

[jogirob]

Would this be the same for a 360 in a 74 Charger? Manual says to remove "engine to torque converter left housing strut, steering and idler arm ball joints from steering linkage center link, remove exhaust pipes from exhaust manifolds (and leave hanging)" .

Also, it seems like there's some tension attached this damn tube crossing under the oil pan. I've got 2 jacks under the lower control arms. Do I need to release some tension by jacking it from the K member first?