Another oil pan question...

[Zandoz]

I know that the front of the S10 4x4 oil pans is shallower than the 4x2 version, and I assume the 4x4 rear portion is somewhat deeper...true? Approximately how much deeper?

[Syndicated]

If you're trying to set your oil pump pickup height, let me know when you find out, I'll need to know in about 2 weeks!

[geoffinbc]

The 4X4 pan does have a deeper sump. It is at least a couple inches deeper. You cannot set your pickup height by measuring. You should always set it with a lump of clay and the actual pan and gasket you intend to use. After it is set you should tack weld it in place.

[Zandoz]

I'm nowhere near worrying about pickup height at this point...I was just trying to determine if I could gain some crossmember clearance by switching to a 4x4 pan (and pickup). But it sounds like that idea is a bust...if the 4x4 pan is more than an inch deeper on the rear, it won't work.

[geoffinbc]

Well if the cross member is under the sump then your SOL. But if it is in front of the sump then you could drop the engine a bit but you would now have to worry about tearing the sump off if something got under the vehicle. There is always the option of a modified pan.

[Zandoz]

The crossmember is under the front portion of the pan, and at this point the bottom of the crossmember would be the lowest point on the vehicle. What I was trying to accomplish was to raise the crossmember without raising the engine...or exposing the sump. But since the sump on the 4x4 pan is over about an inch deeper, there would be no net gain in ground clearance. Unfortunately the budget on this project dictates keeping the custom fabrication to a minimum, so a modified pan is not a practical option.