74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pwtr02ss · 10-01-2018, 04:10 PM

I finished this truck up in 2012 and had an alignment done. That alignment has never been right and I basically let the truck sit. I get motivated again last week and started back in on it. I had an alignment appointment today and the tech tells me I have the center link on upside down. When he puts in the correct way, it hits the oil pan. Any suggestions on get the engine up high enough to mis it? I cant recall what mounts I bought either.

**mongocanfly** · 10-01-2018, 08:06 PM

Any pics?...I used eBay mount adapter plates and stock sb mounts...I have no issues with clearance..using the truck pan....

pwtr02ss · 10-02-2018, 07:58 AM

I haven't had a chance to get under it and investigate. I just thought it may be a common thing so I'd ask the question prior to digging into it. This site helped me tremendously when I was doing the swap but I have forgotten so much about it. I'll revisit this when I have had time to check it out.

SBTork · 10-02-2018, 08:41 AM

I almost had this issue with my Suburban. What I found is that my passenger side motor mount had broken. t was a cheap $11 parts store rubber mount. I noticed the engine sitting off and down and that was the culprit. I've since replaced the stock rubber mounts with energy suspension poly mounts so it's all good now. This may be an area for you to look into....

Ghost's68 · 10-02-2018, 08:42 AM

Had the same issue from PO installed 5.3 swap. When I redid the whole front suspension I had to take a grinder to it to get proper clearance. Swap was done using stock mounts. You can always get some DD sliders and alleviate that problem asap but moving the engine back some.

verdell · 10-02-2018, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwtr02ss

I finished this truck up in 2012 and had an alignment done. That alignment has never been right and I basically let the truck sit. I get motivated again last week and started back in on it. I had an alignment appointment today and the tech tells me I have the center link on upside down. When he puts in the correct way, it hits the oil pan. Any suggestions on get the engine up high enough to mis it? I cant recall what mounts I bought either.

I know 4 different guys with LS swapped square-bodies and they all used these mounts with no issues. I actually used the same ones on my '60 with torsion bar front suspension and F-body oil pan. No issues with mine either.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-1987-C...ty!39701!US!-1

pwtr02ss · 10-02-2018, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I dont think a different mount is going to be the best solution unless it will maintain my engine location now. Everything is and has been complete since 2012, meaning the custom driveshaft, fuel lines, transmission, etc would have to be changed. I'm hoping I can just space it up a bit.

Also SBTork has a valid point that i'm going to investigate, the motor mounts. Ive driven the truck about 600 miles and more of those has been beating on it than not.

Do any of you have any pics of your center link to oil pan clearance? Also, the proper way it should be oriented? The truck is an 08 5.3 with all truck accessories and oil pan. Here are a few pics of the engine bay...

Thanks again

**1957 Chief** · 10-04-2018, 10:30 AM

Man that black paint is "deep"

Looks good.

Bubba

pwtr02ss · 10-05-2018, 07:52 PM

Alright, I flipped it around and sure enough, it’s hitting. I don’t think the motor mounts are broken, I jacked ont he oil pan and nothing moved but the truck. I have attached pics of the mounts. Anyone know if DD mounts or others are slightly taller but would also allow engine placement to remain the same? As you can see, from plate to bolt center is 2”. It’s the same on both sides

SBTork · 10-06-2018, 01:09 PM

I have a set of DD mounts that I just painted, once I get home from work I'll take a pic with a tape measure like you did with yours and we will know for sure. Just looking at it sitting in the engine bay it does look like it's sitting a little low but not crazy low. But, just looking at that picture of your mounts I think the DD mounts set the engine up higher, but I'll get that picture and we will know for sure.

I could take a pic of my center link/front of oil pan area but it wouldn't do much good. I am running a GM Performance Parts muscle car LS pan on mine, part number 19212593. And I believe the GMPP oil pan is slightly lower profile at the front of the engine versus the truck pan.

pwtr02ss · 10-06-2018, 02:16 PM

Thanks! I got some engine plates that I think I can use as a spacer. They are about 1/4” thick. I will report back after I get the motivation to crawl under there and attempt the dreadful task.

pwtr02ss · 10-07-2018, 03:55 PM

Well after 4 hours of cursing whoever built these god forsaken mounts, I finally got the plates in and everything bolted back together. Still hitting enough to make the steering stiff. SBtork, did you have a chance to measure those did mounts? I think they need to be at least 2.5” to center of the bolt for it to work. Idk why I have luck like this sometimes.....

pwtr02ss · 10-07-2018, 07:10 PM

Ordered the dirty dingo mounts. Wish me luck. Will report back with the results.

Edit: does anyone know if the DD mounts will allow for the engine placement to remain where it is currently located? I looks like the "ears" are about 2" further forward than mine

SBTork · 10-11-2018, 10:17 AM

Sorry about the delay man, I did take the picture of the mounts, I just need to get it on here.....should be shortly.....

pwtr02ss · 10-11-2018, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBTork

Sorry about the delay man, I did take the picture of the mounts, I just need to get it on here.....should be shortly.....

Mine (new DD mounts) came in the mail yesterday, they will not work with my engine location. I bought the mounts used (thought they were DD mounts originally) and I'm not really sure what they are for. Either way, the engine is about 1.5" more forward than the DD mounts would've located it. This is probably why I'm having the issue and others aren't. I'm getting some spacers made to put under the motor mount thing to space it up and 1/4". Hopefully that will get it fixed

SBTork · 10-11-2018, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwtr02ss

Mine (new DD mounts) came in the mail yesterday, they will not work with my engine location. I bought the mounts used (thought they were DD mounts originally) and I'm not really sure what they are for. Either way, the engine is about 1.5" more forward than the DD mounts would've located it. This is probably why I'm having the issue and others aren't. I'm getting some spacers made to put under the motor mount thing to space it up and 1/4". Hopefully that will get it fixed

Ahh ok, that makes sense about your engine spacing. Sorry those DD mounts didn't do the trick. Good idea with the spacers, that will probably be the best way to fix it all the way around.

10-01-2018, 04:10 PM	#1
pwtr02ss Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 94	74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link I finished this truck up in 2012 and had an alignment done. That alignment has never been right and I basically let the truck sit. I get motivated again last week and started back in on it. I had an alignment appointment today and the tech tells me I have the center link on upside down. When he puts in the correct way, it hits the oil pan. Any suggestions on get the engine up high enough to mis it? I cant recall what mounts I bought either. __________________ 1996 S-10, 17" Boyd Coddington smoothie II, lowered 5/5, 98 up front, grant step shavers, maserati deep emerald green 2002 Camaro SS, LS-1 motorsports lid, Eibach spring, Chrome ZR-1s 9/11, TEA heads, forged internals, 244/248 cam, 3400 stall, full bmr suspension, TNT F2 kit, BLA BLA BLA 74 C-10, lsx swap, bonspeed billets, full frame off build 2008 Avalanche LTZ all stock

10-01-2018, 08:06 PM	#2
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,583	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link Any pics?...I used eBay mount adapter plates and stock sb mounts...I have no issues with clearance..using the truck pan.... __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

10-02-2018, 07:58 AM	#3
pwtr02ss Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 94	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link I haven't had a chance to get under it and investigate. I just thought it may be a common thing so I'd ask the question prior to digging into it. This site helped me tremendously when I was doing the swap but I have forgotten so much about it. I'll revisit this when I have had time to check it out. __________________ 1996 S-10, 17" Boyd Coddington smoothie II, lowered 5/5, 98 up front, grant step shavers, maserati deep emerald green 2002 Camaro SS, LS-1 motorsports lid, Eibach spring, Chrome ZR-1s 9/11, TEA heads, forged internals, 244/248 cam, 3400 stall, full bmr suspension, TNT F2 kit, BLA BLA BLA 74 C-10, lsx swap, bonspeed billets, full frame off build 2008 Avalanche LTZ all stock

10-02-2018, 08:41 AM	#4
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,856	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link I almost had this issue with my Suburban. What I found is that my passenger side motor mount had broken. t was a cheap $11 parts store rubber mount. I noticed the engine sitting off and down and that was the culprit. I've since replaced the stock rubber mounts with energy suspension poly mounts so it's all good now. This may be an area for you to look into.... __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD.....

10-02-2018, 08:42 AM	#5
Ghost's68 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: American Canyon, CA Posts: 253	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link Had the same issue from PO installed 5.3 swap. When I redid the whole front suspension I had to take a grinder to it to get proper clearance. Swap was done using stock mounts. You can always get some DD sliders and alleviate that problem asap but moving the engine back some.

10-02-2018, 12:05 PM	#7
pwtr02ss Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 94	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link Thanks for the replies guys. I dont think a different mount is going to be the best solution unless it will maintain my engine location now. Everything is and has been complete since 2012, meaning the custom driveshaft, fuel lines, transmission, etc would have to be changed. I'm hoping I can just space it up a bit. Also SBTork has a valid point that i'm going to investigate, the motor mounts. Ive driven the truck about 600 miles and more of those has been beating on it than not. Do any of you have any pics of your center link to oil pan clearance? Also, the proper way it should be oriented? The truck is an 08 5.3 with all truck accessories and oil pan. Here are a few pics of the engine bay... Thanks again __________________ 1996 S-10, 17" Boyd Coddington smoothie II, lowered 5/5, 98 up front, grant step shavers, maserati deep emerald green 2002 Camaro SS, LS-1 motorsports lid, Eibach spring, Chrome ZR-1s 9/11, TEA heads, forged internals, 244/248 cam, 3400 stall, full bmr suspension, TNT F2 kit, BLA BLA BLA 74 C-10, lsx swap, bonspeed billets, full frame off build 2008 Avalanche LTZ all stock Last edited by pwtr02ss; 10-02-2018 at 12:22 PM.

10-04-2018, 10:30 AM	#8
1957 Chief Proud Vet that loves the USA Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Beebe, AR Posts: 458	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link Man that black paint is "deep" Looks good. Bubba

10-05-2018, 07:52 PM	#9
pwtr02ss Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 94	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link Alright, I flipped it around and sure enough, it’s hitting. I don’t think the motor mounts are broken, I jacked ont he oil pan and nothing moved but the truck. I have attached pics of the mounts. Anyone know if DD mounts or others are slightly taller but would also allow engine placement to remain the same? As you can see, from plate to bolt center is 2”. It’s the same on both sides Attached Images __________________ 1996 S-10, 17" Boyd Coddington smoothie II, lowered 5/5, 98 up front, grant step shavers, maserati deep emerald green 2002 Camaro SS, LS-1 motorsports lid, Eibach spring, Chrome ZR-1s 9/11, TEA heads, forged internals, 244/248 cam, 3400 stall, full bmr suspension, TNT F2 kit, BLA BLA BLA 74 C-10, lsx swap, bonspeed billets, full frame off build 2008 Avalanche LTZ all stock

10-06-2018, 01:09 PM	#10
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,856	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link I have a set of DD mounts that I just painted, once I get home from work I'll take a pic with a tape measure like you did with yours and we will know for sure. Just looking at it sitting in the engine bay it does look like it's sitting a little low but not crazy low. But, just looking at that picture of your mounts I think the DD mounts set the engine up higher, but I'll get that picture and we will know for sure. I could take a pic of my center link/front of oil pan area but it wouldn't do much good. I am running a GM Performance Parts muscle car LS pan on mine, part number 19212593. And I believe the GMPP oil pan is slightly lower profile at the front of the engine versus the truck pan. __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD..... Last edited by SBTork; 10-06-2018 at 01:19 PM. Reason: forgot things

10-06-2018, 02:16 PM	#11
pwtr02ss Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 94	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link Thanks! I got some engine plates that I think I can use as a spacer. They are about 1/4” thick. I will report back after I get the motivation to crawl under there and attempt the dreadful task. __________________ 1996 S-10, 17" Boyd Coddington smoothie II, lowered 5/5, 98 up front, grant step shavers, maserati deep emerald green 2002 Camaro SS, LS-1 motorsports lid, Eibach spring, Chrome ZR-1s 9/11, TEA heads, forged internals, 244/248 cam, 3400 stall, full bmr suspension, TNT F2 kit, BLA BLA BLA 74 C-10, lsx swap, bonspeed billets, full frame off build 2008 Avalanche LTZ all stock

10-07-2018, 03:55 PM	#12
pwtr02ss Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 94	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link Well after 4 hours of cursing whoever built these god forsaken mounts, I finally got the plates in and everything bolted back together. Still hitting enough to make the steering stiff. SBtork, did you have a chance to measure those did mounts? I think they need to be at least 2.5” to center of the bolt for it to work. Idk why I have luck like this sometimes..... __________________ 1996 S-10, 17" Boyd Coddington smoothie II, lowered 5/5, 98 up front, grant step shavers, maserati deep emerald green 2002 Camaro SS, LS-1 motorsports lid, Eibach spring, Chrome ZR-1s 9/11, TEA heads, forged internals, 244/248 cam, 3400 stall, full bmr suspension, TNT F2 kit, BLA BLA BLA 74 C-10, lsx swap, bonspeed billets, full frame off build 2008 Avalanche LTZ all stock

10-07-2018, 07:10 PM	#13
pwtr02ss Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Crossville, TN Posts: 94	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link Ordered the dirty dingo mounts. Wish me luck. Will report back with the results. Edit: does anyone know if the DD mounts will allow for the engine placement to remain where it is currently located? I looks like the "ears" are about 2" further forward than mine __________________ 1996 S-10, 17" Boyd Coddington smoothie II, lowered 5/5, 98 up front, grant step shavers, maserati deep emerald green 2002 Camaro SS, LS-1 motorsports lid, Eibach spring, Chrome ZR-1s 9/11, TEA heads, forged internals, 244/248 cam, 3400 stall, full bmr suspension, TNT F2 kit, BLA BLA BLA 74 C-10, lsx swap, bonspeed billets, full frame off build 2008 Avalanche LTZ all stock Last edited by pwtr02ss; 10-08-2018 at 04:12 PM.

10-11-2018, 10:17 AM	#14
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,856	Re: 74, 08 5.3 swap. Oil pan hitting center link Sorry about the delay man, I did take the picture of the mounts, I just need to get it on here.....should be shortly..... __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD.....



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