Question on Removing Oil Pan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 232
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From: New Market Maryland
Question on Removing Oil Pan
When removing the oil pan on my 69 350/350 manual trans. to replace the gaskets, will I need to drop the steering linkage to remove the pan. The instructions in my shop manual say I do, but there appears to be plenty of clearance. I have a stock oil pan. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
To drop the pan you will need to lower the suspension. The easiest way to do this is to remove the two bolts holding up the idler arm. Once that's free from the frame the whole system falls down nicely leaving plenty of room to get the pan out.
When buying your new gasket, but a Fel Pro one piece rubber gasket. It makes it so much easier and you'll be leak free when you're done.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
I can't say about the small block, but to remove the pan on the big block I have to drop the steering linkage, filter and starter. to drop the linkage, is not a big deal, only two bolts on the right side of the frame.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 556
Likes: 4
From: North of Spokane WA
On my 79, I recall the oil pan came off without dropping the steering linkage, but when putting it back on the steering linkage must be dropped or the gaskets will never stay in place.....ask me how I know.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 232
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From: New Market Maryland
Thanks for the help. I have some time on a lift during my Corvette club's shop night at the local Chevy dealer, and I want to make sure that I can complete the gasket change in 2 hours.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
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From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
Another thing that helps are the one-piece rubber gaskets. I believe FelPro makes them, they are blue and have crush sleeves in the holes so you can't over tighten. Definitely spend the extra money for one of them. Makes it easier and they seal a little better than the others in most cases.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Burnaby BC
To drop the pan you will need to lower the suspension. The easiest way to do this is to remove the two bolts holding up the idler arm. Once that's free from the frame the whole system falls down nicely leaving plenty of room to get the pan out.
When buying your new gasket, but a Fel Pro one piece rubber gasket. It makes it so much easier and you'll be leak free when you're done.
When buying your new gasket, but a Fel Pro one piece rubber gasket. It makes it so much easier and you'll be leak free when you're done.
I have a 69, and this is the only way to do it.
