bp57
Member
Posts: 49
Loc: Laguna Niguel, California
Reg: 03-30-01
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04-14-02 07:38 AM - Post#10951
I have a '57 Sport Coupe with the original ram power assist steering assembly under the car. One of the components of that assembly is a long arm that goes from side to side under the car (i.e., perpendicular to the length of the car). This arm connects to the pitman on the right side of the car and moves the right wheel for steering.I have installed a 383, with the engine on motor mounts that move the engine forward about one inch to help with clearance on the HEI distributor. At the same time as installing the new engine, I installed a disc brake conversion kit (from ECI) and a two inch dropped spindle kit (from Heidt's). After installing everything, and while the car was on jackstands, I test-turned the wheels to the extreme left and right. I found that the steering arm (the long perpendicular one described above) comes up against the oil pan at steering extremes. [If a visual is needed, I can try to post a picture.] This is even stranger because the engine is moved forward on the motor mounts. Is there a fix that anyone has? I don't want to lose any turning radius because I'll be driving a lot, so any suggestions that avoid radius loss will be best. Thanks.
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bp57
Member
Posts: 49
Loc: Laguna Niguel, California
Reg: 03-30-01
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Re: Problem: steering "arm" hits oil pan
04-14-02 11:15 AM - Post#10953
In response to chevynut
I can't change the oil pan, etc. because it is a crate engine with a warranty. The warranty will be voided if I change components. Is there another alternative, like lengthening or shortening pitman arms? Thanks,
BP
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Anonymous
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Re: Problem: steering "arm" hits oil pan
04-14-02 11:30 AM - Post#10954
In response to bp57
You have two options then,605 steering or modified center link,I don't like those much.
Are you sure your warranty won't allow you to swap oil pans?Give em a call>
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chevynut
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11073
Loc: Ft. Collins, CO .....
Reg: 09-22-01
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Re: Problem: steering "arm" hits oil pan
04-14-02 12:23 PM - Post#10955
In response to
At one time, long ago, someone made a "dropped" draglink to allow you to install a BBC in a 55-57. I don't know if those are still available, but should not affect steering at all. You might try to find one of those, as it could be your best solution if changing pans voids your warranty. You could also change to a smaller distributor and move your engine back to the stock location. ------------------
'56 Chevy Nomad in progress
Ramjet 502
C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
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Anonymous
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Re: Problem: steering "arm" hits oil pan
04-14-02 01:29 PM - Post#10956
In response to chevynut
Changing an oil pan shouldn't void your warranty. Besides, if you installed your engine, you will probably be the one who removes it in the event of a failure. Just keep the oil pan that cam with it, reinstall it, and pour the oil that came out of the engine right back in it. That way if they perform an oil analysis, you are providing the same oil that was in the engine. Moroso and Milodon both specialize in specialty oil pans and offer a shortened sump to clear steering components for 55-57 Chevys.Basically the question is "How are they going to know the difference?" Maybe that's just the deviant in me!  Andy "Where there's a will, a cutting torch, and a big hammer, there's a way!"
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Wheels56
Senior Member
Posts: 264
Loc: CA
Reg: 02-17-02
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Re: Problem: steering "arm" hits oil pan
04-14-02 02:11 PM - Post#10957
In response to
I had this issue w/ my small block also except it was in the stock position. At full lock the drag link rubbed on the oil pan. I installed a Milodon pan for a V8 vega and have plenty of room now. This pan has a sump depth of 7.75" which allows for more ground clearance than some of the other options out there.
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Anonymous
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Re: Problem: steering "arm" hits oil pan
04-14-02 02:59 PM - Post#10958
In response to Wheels56
I put a 355 in my '55 with a Moroso 7 quart oil pan. I moved the motor back slightly more than an inch to clear the steering. Yea, I know then the HEI distributor is in your firewall. But... I don't have a regular HEI distributor, I have an MSD Pro Billit distributor. It's smaller like a points setup. So you can spend the money in one place or another to make it all fit, you can get an oil pan that is made to clear the steering, or you can get the MSD Pro Billit so that you can move the motor back, or you can change over to 605 steering...there's more than one way to skin your cat. Hope this helps you out.
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chevynut
Ultra Senior Member
Posts: 11073
Loc: Ft. Collins, CO .....
Reg: 09-22-01
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Re: Problem: steering "arm" hits oil pan
04-14-02 09:11 PM - Post#10952
In response to bp57
I don't really understand why you think this is "strange"  When you moved the engine forward the oil pan got closer to the drag link (the "arm" you're referring to). The drag link moves rearward when you turn the steering. I think you'll need to replace your oil pan with another one with a shorter sump. Perhaps someone else with a SBC can help you pick one. ------------------
'56 Chevy Nomad in progress
Ramjet 502
C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
ZF 6-speed
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=chevynut
'56 Nomad, C4 Vette F&R suspension, Ramjet 502, Viper T56 6 speed See My Nomad Build
'56 BelAir 2DR Sedan in waiting
'01 Porsche Boxster S
'03 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
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bp57
Member
Posts: 49
Loc: Laguna Niguel, California
Reg: 03-30-01
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Re: Problem: steering "arm" hits oil pan
04-14-02 10:54 PM - Post#10959
In response to
Although it looks like the conventional wisdom is that I change the oil pan, I like chevynut's idea about trying to find a "dropped" draglink. I'll start the search for that, or something similar, tomorrow. If I come up with anything, I'll post it.So, unless I find something or someone posts another suggestion by next weekend, I suppose I'll have to change over to another oil pan. If I do that, I'll adopt Andy's way of thinking: How are they going to know the difference if I keep the original equipment and oil? By the way, Andy, I like your tag-line ["Where there's a will, a cutting torch, and a big hammer, there's a way!"] Hey chevynut, when I was laying on my back staring up at the problem and all stressed about the draglink hitting the oil pan, I must have become disoriented. When I was sitting at the computer, my mind's eye saw everything in reverse. So it seemed that the draglink moved forward at the extremes, not to the rear as it really does. That's why it seemed so strange to me. Of course, now I realize I was "bass ackwards" in my memory. Thanks to all of you for the help. BP.
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hottrodd
Senior Member
Posts: 392
Loc: north salem, IN
Reg: 04-16-02
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Re: Problem: steering "arm" hits oil pan
04-16-02 08:19 AM - Post#10960
In response to bp57
east coast chevy(ol' 55) sell "dropped center link with a 2",3" drop. exchange only, the cost is $100. their phone # is 215.348.5568, the item # is 10-079a 2",
10-079b for 3". hope this helps. I have the 2" on my 57 sbc just becuase it make taking the oil pan out easier9my engine is 1" foward w/ side mounts.
hottrodd
| 57 2dr hardtop, 57 convertable, 57 chevy pick-up street rod, '99 corvette convertable, new project 39 chevy coupe. |
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5557nut
Newbie
Posts: 1
Reg: 07-12-24
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07-13-24 10:45 AM - Post#2871734
In response to hottrodd
I know this an old post but new users will want to know that "ol 55" now gets $209 for the dropped center link.
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 498 chevy
"15th Year" Platinum Supporting Member
Posts: 527
Age: 73
Loc: hayward ca.
Reg: 09-28-07
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09-03-24 09:40 AM - Post#2873413
In response to bp57
had as problem, got a side kick out 7 qtr milodon pan (Shallow pan) ground clearance cut the front of pan at the step down same shape as a 2.5 inch exhaust pipe about half the dia. weld it in and it works. you have to watch how deep u put the cut out because the pick up is right there. almost half the pipe deep is about right
Edited by 498 chevy on 09-03-24 09:43 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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