Steering link clearance

[Jessthebod]

Hello. I am currently working on a 63 dodge 440 with a 413 in it. I have issues with the steering link hitting the bottom of the oil pan. I have installed Schumacher motor mounts which should locate the motor properly. I had maybe an eighth of an inch clearance between the pan and the steering link. Does anybody know of where to get drop pitman and idler arms to lower the steering link?

 

[malex]

I recall that my old 64 Dodge had that problem. About 20 years ago. I got additional clearance by making a couple of shims that slid between the isolator pad and the k-frame brackets. Couldn't tell they were there and I had the clearance that I needed.

 

[eric383]

Are you using the early style oil pan?

 

[Jessthebod]

As it turns out the motor came out of a 62 and the pans are different. Have a new pan on order. Hopefully that will fix things up

 

[V8Manu]

Are you using the early style oil pan?

Do you have an address for the early style oil pans, i have the same problem on my 63' Polara 500. Thanks

 

[eric383]

My 63 came with the original 383 so I didn't need to look for a new pan but I do have some interesting reading about early style oil pans. This isn't for a 63 but I still think it applies.
http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.com/oilpans.html

 

[wedgie]

When I did my 65 Coronet, I had the same issue. I took the center link out and welded a mild steel rod of the same diameter as the center link, to the bottom side of the center link, at the outer ends. If memory serves, I clamped and heated the new material in order to follow the slight kick ups at the ends, where the welding was to be done. Only after welding did I cut the original straight section out. That gave me a "dropped" center link with exactly the same geometry as the original. Hope that this explanation makes sense. I did the same thing on a '65 dart that was on original slant car swapped to a race small block. Ends up getting an extra 3/4" or so of clearance. Both cars worked very well without issues of any kind.

 

[Jackpot50]

Get the right pan it is not a problem I have a 62 with a 440 and a 8 qt pan it no problem but it is close.
Remember if it clears it's not going to change no matter how close!

 

[Mike Gaines]

I had the same problem. I have a big Moroso Oil pan and I added a "girdle" (for strength) to the bottom of the block (between the block and the pan) and it lowered the pan about 3/8".
I took a steel pipe about the diameter of the steering link, marked the pan where the steering link rubbed and then heated up the pan until it got red hot (and pliable) and tapped the steel pipe with a hammer until it actually "recessed" the pan the same diameter as the steering link and then the link had the room without rubbing.
I had the pan off the motor of course,
Good Luck, Mike

If you want dropped arms I would call Mancini Racing, they would know if they are available.

 

[Darter6]

Schumacher sells motor mount shims in different thicknesses. That may be all you need.

 

[Jessthebod]

I got a Milodon pan through summit. Had to notch the k member a little bit as per their recommendations. Fits like a dream. Even with the motor leaned a little back for the overdrive trans to fit.

 

[eric383]

Thanks for the update.

 

[Cornpatch MO]

I had the same problem. I have a big Moroso Oil pan and I added a "girdle" (for strength) to the bottom of the block (between the block and the pan) and it lowered the pan about 3/8".
I took a steel pipe about the diameter of the steering link, marked the pan where the steering link rubbed and then heated up the pan until it got red hot (and pliable) and tapped the steel pipe with a hammer until it actually "recessed" the pan the same diameter as the steering link and then the link had the room without rubbing.
I had the pan off the motor of course,
Good Luck, Mike

If you want dropped arms I would call Mancini Racing, they would know if they are available.

Wouldn't doing that "trap" oil in the back end of the pan and not allow full drainage when changeing oil? .............................................MO

 

[furyus63]

On my '63 I'm using Schumacher mounts. Oil pan 971, good clearance.