Notching a 4BT pan?

[ezcurra]

Hello,

I have a Jeep pick-up ('63 J300) that would be a perfect candidate for a 4BT swap. I would like to lift it as little as possible, and one way of doing this would be to notch the engine's pan to provide extra clearance for the front axle.

I don't know how much space I have between the rotating assembly / main bearings to the bottom of the pan. How much could I get away with?

Thanks,

Mikel



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[RyanB]

I would think thats a bad idea for two reasons!



#1 - these Cummins pans arn't very deep to begin with in that area and the crank swing does come in close contact with the pan along that area!



#2 - even if there was room, the oil in that area wouldn't be able to drain back to the deeper part of the pan. When you would change the oil you would still get at least a quart of old oil left... it would all wash together but over time it might be a bad idea.



I think a lift or how about raising the engine would be a better idea!!!!!!

 

[ezcurra]

I would think thats a bad idea for two reasons!



#1 - these Cummins pans arn't very deep to begin with in that area and the crank swing does come in close contact with the pan along that area!



#2 - even if there was room, the oil in that area wouldn't be able to drain back to the deeper part of the pan. When you would change the oil you would still get at least a quart of old oil left... it would all wash together but over time it might be a bad idea.



I think a lift or how about raising the engine would be a better idea!!!!!!

#1 - That's why I'm asking how much space there is



#2 - Good point. As you can see in my drawing, I was thinking of putting a flexible outside line, which would allow the front of the pan to drain into the rear. This flex line would be displaced by the axle as it moves up (pretty un-frequent).

Thanks,

Mikel

 

[RyanB]

#1 - I am guessing there is about an inch from the pan to the crank or rod ends. When I had my girdle put on my block the crank/rod ends would purtrude thru by about 1" and the dept of the pan in that area isn't much more than 2"... . on my pan anyway! now thats a 6bt but everything is identical other than missing 2 pistons!



#2... . I have never seen this done and would be to worried about it for a few reasons. sealing purposes (the 4bt's vibrate ALOT more than the 6bt's and over time could weaken what ever you use for that area) Structural integrity!!! the pan helps keep the block from flexing that little bit (doesn't seem possible but it is... I wanted more so I put a girdle on!) and having a joint there could weaken it! and the last reason..... What the #$*(&..... I just hit a hug bump and now my axle hit my crank shaft!!!! at least with the pan there it would help abit in a mishap like that.



Ryan

 

[ezcurra]

I took some more detailed measurements. I may be able to do away without the notching with about 5" to the axle tube. Right now there are 6" from the bump stops (outside the frame) to the axle. I can mount those bump stops one inch lower - But on the inside of the frame. This will limit the axle's actual compression limit, but will still allow it to articulate.



This might actually work

 

[DVolk]

notching 4 b pan

for a lift use add a leafs with spring shocks , ithink on the pan if you used the p 30 chevy mounts i dont think youd have to worry



theres a guy on tdr as well as aths ,i think bob gilbert of texas

that has a 4bt in a burb 2 wd at stock height and it bolted in



so who knows

 

[Steve Graham]

You could also "tilt" the engine to help clear the axel. Most of the P30 vans with 4B's had this. If you have a GM transmission adapter your half way there.

Steve

 

[DogDiesel]

Where can I get a P30 Oil Pan

Anyone have a 4BT P30 Oil pan?

Mine has a industrial oil pan, square all the way back. 15 quarts!

I'd like to lower my Bronco suspension 2" and use a P30 pan.

Wayne

 

[ezcurra]

Tilting has to be done carefully, as the front driveshaft angle gets out of hand very easily.

You could also "tilt" the engine to help clear the axel. Most of the P30 vans with 4B's had this. If you have a GM transmission adapter your half way there.

Steve

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I'll have to measure but the 4BTs in the Grumman vans come with a factory tilt. This worked wonders for getting more room with my front axle. I think its about a 10 degree tilt or so. . I'll measure sometime in the next couple days. . Andre