Oil Pan Chop? Can it be done?

[69RustyBucket]

Since the Oil Pan is lower than the frame, and I want my truck to sit on the frame. Can it can be cut shorter or do they make oil pans for lowered trucks that are not so deep? I didn't see any online.

[leftybass209]

You aren't going to gain any significant clearance by cutting a pan. There is also clearance issues with the oil pump pickup tube.

If you were to successfully cut an oil pan and rework the pickup tube, then you'd decrease the distance between the oil sitting in the pan and the crankshaft, creating an increased load on the rotation of the crankshaft (however slight or significant I don't know). Or, you'd have to decrease the amount of oil in the pan, increasing a chance of overheating and oil availability. It would also bring the oil level in the pan closer to the gasket height, which would increase the likelihood of a leak. The rear main seal would also suffer from an increased chance of leaking, which is already a problematic area and doesn't need any aid.

It's not worth modifying the oiling system of the motor to get your truck a few inches lower, when there's already dropmembers designed to KEEP the oiling system the way it is AND achieve the lowest possible drop.

7" deep is the most shallow SBC pan I've heard of, with most coming in at 7.5-8". Most shallow LS pan I've heard of is 5".

[leftybass209]

they make 6.5" pans, but they are designed for use WITHOUT a crossmember so that's a no go.

[69RustyBucket]

I saw this 4 qt oil pan at jets Part Number # 50250 . You think its not as deep?

[leftybass209]

That says stock replacement pan. So it's not going to be significantly shallow. Roughly 8 inches deep.

[Mike C]

Pic please. Crossmember and control arms are way lower than the pan on my '69 short step. Maybe someone replaced your pan with a deep sump at some point?

[TobyArnot]

Dry-Sump!

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by 69RustyBucket

Since the Oil Pan is lower than the frame, and I want my truck to sit on the frame. Can it can be cut shorter or do they make oil pans for lowered trucks that are not so deep? I didn't see any online.

It sounds like your motor mounts are resting on the wrong frame stands. My pan is ABOVE the front crossmember and the headers stay between the frame rails.

[Derek.Matirne]

If you don't have any clearance issues. I would add a spacer to the motor mounts and tranny mount to just raise it enough for clearance....