Big block oil pan
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Big block oil pan
I'm going to replace my '69 bb oil pan gasket, and possibly my rear main seal, and I'm wondering if I should run the car up a set of ramps, or jack it up and let the wheels hang loose. I'm thinking that I should get more clearance if I let the suspension hang down. I remember 15 yrs ago when I replaced the gasket, that reinstalling the pan was a bit of a pia because it doesn't just go streight up, because of the oil pick up tube.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,782
Likes: 223
From: Lebanon Pa
I use a floor jack and raise the car high enough to slide the ramp under, but I turn the ramp around so I can slide under easily, then do the opposite side the same way. I don’t like having the front end hanging.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,412
Likes: 1,823
From: Apple Valley, MN
I don’t see any benefit from a fully extended suspension for the work you are contemplating.
As others have stated, don’t let the front “hang”. Be sure you put support under the area of the frame horns if you are jacking on the frame.
As others have stated, don’t let the front “hang”. Be sure you put support under the area of the frame horns if you are jacking on the frame.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
RAMPS !!! So much safer.
I wonder if the pump screen was truly what was hanging up on your last oil pan swap. Sometimes the front crank counterweight is hanging down. If at any time the front of the pan is fighting you, just jog the key to get the weight up in the block. There was an old trick of putting a certain cylinder on TDC to assure the counterweight was clear of the pan before unbolting. Anyone? Anyone?
If I could give one piece of advice on pan removal. Buy a 1/4" drive extension about 10" long. Slips right in there to get those pan bolts off. Not everybody has 1/4" drive ratchet / sockets but they should have for a task like this.
I wonder if the pump screen was truly what was hanging up on your last oil pan swap. Sometimes the front crank counterweight is hanging down. If at any time the front of the pan is fighting you, just jog the key to get the weight up in the block. There was an old trick of putting a certain cylinder on TDC to assure the counterweight was clear of the pan before unbolting. Anyone? Anyone?
If I could give one piece of advice on pan removal. Buy a 1/4" drive extension about 10" long. Slips right in there to get those pan bolts off. Not everybody has 1/4" drive ratchet / sockets but they should have for a task like this.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Feb 7, 2023 at 07:39 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,226
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
I'm thinking that I have to drop the drag link/tie rods, idler arm, etc. and it may go lower if the suspension is hanging????
1967 Pedal Car Champion
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4,248
From: US-PNW
By just removing the two idler arm bolts from the frame the steering linkage will drop low enough to get the stock pan off. Did this with my 427 a year ago and it provided plenty of clearance. This is a standard steering car, not power, so that may make a difference but it's quick to disconnect and see.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,427
Likes: 1,560
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Good advise
RAMPS !!! So much safer.
I wonder if the pump screen was truly what was hanging up on your last oil pan swap. Sometimes the front crank counterweight is hanging down. If at any time the front of the pan is fighting you, just jog the key to get the weight up in the block. There was an old trick of putting a certain cylinder on TDC to assure the counterweight was clear of the pan before unbolting. Anyone? Anyone?
On a small block:
After you drop the idler arm, turn the timing mark to the 5 o'clock position (as viewed from the front) to get the weight out of the way. Might work on a big block too.
If I could give one piece of advice on pan removal. Buy a 1/4" drive extension about 10" long. Slips right in there to get those pan bolts off. Not everybody has 1/4" drive ratchet / sockets but they should have for a task like this.
I wonder if the pump screen was truly what was hanging up on your last oil pan swap. Sometimes the front crank counterweight is hanging down. If at any time the front of the pan is fighting you, just jog the key to get the weight up in the block. There was an old trick of putting a certain cylinder on TDC to assure the counterweight was clear of the pan before unbolting. Anyone? Anyone?
On a small block:
After you drop the idler arm, turn the timing mark to the 5 o'clock position (as viewed from the front) to get the weight out of the way. Might work on a big block too.
If I could give one piece of advice on pan removal. Buy a 1/4" drive extension about 10" long. Slips right in there to get those pan bolts off. Not everybody has 1/4" drive ratchet / sockets but they should have for a task like this.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
