2wd to 4wd 360 oil pan question

[bike5087]

Hello all!

Does anyone out there know if it is absolutely necessary to swap the rear sump oil pan from a 4wd motor when installing a 360 (2wd, front sump) to a highboy frame? It looks to me like there is a ton of clearance between the axle and the oil pan. I've got a 2wd 360 mounted to a 4wd highboy frame but I still have the 2wd pan on. If I could keep the 2wd front sump pan on there I may be able to use the good exhaust from my 2wd. Thanks! and Happy Holidays

[1972hiboy]

hm. Its pretty essential. How did you get a 2wd oil pan bolted into a 4x4 frame? The crossmember is right under the front of the motor. I didnt even think it would be feasible to fit. you sure its a true 4x4 frame and not a 2wd frame that had a front end put under it?

[Doug Comer]

You can do it. My first highboy had a 2wd pan if I remember correct. Again if I remember correct I could not get the pan off or on with the motor sitting on the mounts. I had to lift it off thee mounts.

Doug

[bike5087]

There is a ton of room on mine. I forgot to mention it is a 1973 frame (I think they are almost the same as the 67-72) The cross member is forward of the pan, so I will be able to drop the pan easily. If I can remember how to post a photo I will - according to the vin stamped on the frame it is 4wd I think - F26YRR48524?

[hazelnut]

A 2wd engine sits at 4.54* and a highboy engine sits at 5.45*. Its easy enuff to swap out pans later for a rear sump but just keep in mind the engine is angled 1* more in a highboy than a 2wd. Ive got a 69 highboy and agree the pan is wide open to get to and change later.

[bike5087]

Thanks Hazelnut-
Are you saying the rear sump provides better oiling because of how the 4wd motor sits at more of an angle in it's mounts?
Also - if you've run a 4wd highboy with the front sump pan - was there any clearance issues for suspension travel?
Thanks!

[crewdcab]

I've seen front sump pans get munched by the diff. Not normal street driving, but coyote hunting and such.

[bike5087]

I might as well swap the pans out because the exhaust won't work anyway (frame crossmember in the way), looks like I'll have to take it to the muffler shop after all. Then I can go coyote hunting and such!

[71PA_Highboy]

Don't forget you will need a new pickup tube, dipstick and tube, main cap bolt and to plug the old dipstick tube...

I just did mine...

[sopikp1]

No question in my mind, a truck needs a rear sump.

[bike5087]

I've got all the parts I need, but I'm not sure how to remove the old front sump dipstick tube (hopefully 71PA_Highboy can chime in on this one). Also - I wonder if 30-06 brass shell will work as a plug. Thanks!

[71PA_Highboy]

The tube is just a push in.... not even a press fit.

Clamp some vice grips on the mounting tab close to the tube, then tap gently.. it should come right out.

As for the plug, since I had the pan off I just used a 1/8 NPT plug with a recessed allen. Tapped the hole and screwed it in. I am sure it won't leak...

Good luck!