Clearance between oil pan and suspension

[nbalcom]

I'm mocking up a 302/AOD to drop in my '97 ranger for measurements so I can make motor mounts. I have an explorer 5.0 aluminum pan on it now that I would like to use.
Excuse my ignorance in suspension. This truck has those two beams that bolt to the engine crossmember (Is this twin I beam?). Figures are rough, but it looks like if I make the mounts the way I want, this would leave only about 1" clearance above that beam. Is that enough? I'm not sure how these things move as the suspension flexes.

 

[dangerranger83]

If the drain plug is in the same location as mine is, it is just above the TTB (4wd) bracket that mounts to the cross member. But good thing I did a SAS to my truck before the swap (want planning on a 302 swap) but I had to cut the bracket off to be able to change my oil. I used the mustang mounts and they have an engine sit lower. Now using 4.0 mounts and steel plates, the engine will sit up higher allowing the plug to be able to come out...and making a mess when the oil drains. But that's only if the plug is in the same location.

Sent from my rooted SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Lil-Pony]

James duff? I dont like guess work.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I'm mocking up a 302/AOD to drop in my '97 ranger for measurements so I can make motor mounts. I have an explorer 5.0 aluminum pan on it now that I would like to use.
Excuse my ignorance in suspension. This truck has those two beams that bolt to the engine crossmember (Is this twin I beam?). Figures are rough, but it looks like if I make the mounts the way I want, this would leave only about 1" clearance above that beam. Is that enough? I'm not sure how these things move as the suspension flexes.

Twin I Beam = TIB = 2wd
Twin Traction Beam = TTB = 4wd

I fully agree with Danger about watching the drain plug... IIRC though the TIB's have longer beams so the pivots are in different places than on 4wds. The beam shouldn't have too much travel under the engine, I think an inch or two of clearance should be fine.

You might check out RangerSVT's swap, he pulled an engine out of an Explorer/Mountaineer and IIRC still went through the motions of swapping the dual sump generic 1980's oil pan for his TTB truck.

 

[nbalcom]

Thank you for the replies! I'm already of the opinion that the pan may not be ideal. I'm going to get the motor where I want it and see if its in the way. I think I have a double sump around somewhere though! Thanks again.

 

[Mac]

I know a guy at another site that tried to use the stock Explorer pan on his '97' and after cutting and welding for clearance, finially gave up and got a Mustang pan.
Dave