Project Screamer - '72 GMC K2500 + DD 4-53T

[lower50's]

When new trucks get built they simulate everything with computers. When we build trucks we mock it up sit inside and hit our knuckles on stuff Where is the new fuel filler going to be?

[burnitg]

Originally Posted by lower50's

When new trucks get built they simulate everything with computers. When we build trucks we mock it up sit inside and hit our knuckles on stuff Where is the new fuel filler going to be?

The previous owner must have had small hands. I drove the truck for several years before I started this project. I can’t tell you how many times I hit my knuckles on that spotlight handle.

The tanks that I purchased have the fuel fillers in the wheel wells. With my 2” body lift and 2” suspension lift, I should have plenty of room to get the fill nozzle in.

[burnitg]

All for another 1" of wheel travel...

From the start of this project, I have had serious concerns about the front axle contacting the engine at full spring compression. I measured the distance between them with the weight of the truck on the stock springs and determined that the axle tube would hit the oil pan about 1-1/2" before the differential housing hit the block.

Because I had to reverse the oil pan (in the original installation, the sump was in front and I need it to be in the rear) the turbo oil return would be on the wrong side. Since, I was going to have to modify the pan anyway, I decided to take 1" out of it and gain some wheel travel.

Here's the pan marked for cutting. The hole is where the turbo oil return was originally:



Here's the pan fitted:



Here's the pan welded:



Because I moved the sump from the front to the rear, I had to add some tubing to the oil pickup. Here it is installed:



Job done:



While I had the pan off, I pulled all the main & rod bearings and inspected them. They all look good and the clearances are within new spec. I still need to do a compression check; but, I may not need to overhaul the engine.