Which should I pull, engine or cross member?
 

I ran into a problem with my Monster. I managed to put a pretty big dent in my oil pan which makes it necessary for me to repair or replace it.
Which is easier - remove the engine or remove front suspension cross member?

I've done a lot of brake and suspension work over the years so I'm inclined to think I'd rather support the engine from above and remove the front suspension.

Am I the first to do this or have any of you been in this situation before?

Thanks!
Steve

I've never worked on a Ford conversion but I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt on a LS car it is way easier to drop the cross member than to pull the engine.

Drop the sub-frame & avoid disconnecting the exhaust, driveshaft, trans, trans crossmember, wiring, & fual lines. Be sure to mark the location of the sub-frame to uni-body so you don't have to do an alignment.

Drop the front suspension. Four bolts disconnect the struts from the body, six bolts disconnect the k frame, two bolts disconnect the sway and two hold the engine on its mounts. Unbolt the calipers and tie them up in the wheel wells so you don't have to compromise the brakes. Unbolt the steering rack from the k frame before dropping it so that you don't have worry about reconnecting the steering u joint or power steering lines. Since the lines and u joint are on the same side you should be able to just sort of move it to the side to get the pan out.

Use an engine hoist to hold the engine in place while you're doing this and stands to hold the front of the car. It's worth it not to have to deal with the exhaust, clutch, coolant, trans cross member, center console, etc that you would have to if you went from the top. Keep in mind that if anything else needs attention that would require removing the engine it may be worth it to go that route instead.

I had to do the above to replace a snapped oil shaft rod once. While you're in there do yourself a favor and replace whatever is in there with an ARP tool steel one. It's one of the best ways to buy yourself piece of mind for $15.

-Jason

Thanks guys!

Decision made. The crossmember is going to get dropped. Now, all I have to do is get my new oil pan (and the oil pump shaft). I talked to Martin today, the oil pan should be on its way in a week.

Just remember Steve, it could have been much, much worse.....it could have been your wife's Miata :lol_hitting:



Bill S.

Bill,

I don't even want to think of what my life would be like if I had done it to hers!

I do have 2 friends that have volunteered to give me a hand with the work. I won't even have to do the work in my driveway.

Steve

I told Deb what I posted, her comment to me was "how true" :laugh:

As for the volunteers, that is good to know, I was worried I was going to have to find something to buy in or around Tampa and stop by to lend a hand.


Bill S.

A tool such as this:1000 Lb. Capacity Engine Support Bar will make the job a lot easier than using an engine hoist because you will be able to get under the car on a creeper without being obstructed by the legs of the hoist. I made one out of some scrap 1x1 tubing & some threaded rod.

^^ agreed! I use 2 hunks of 2x4 at the ends on edge and a 2x4 on edge to make the span and do it just like that bar. I even screw them together at each end but just to make it look professional.:D Jack up the engine a little, chain it in place and drop the frame.