Oil pan removal problem

[Dchappy]

I new to Mopars
I have a problem removing the oil pan on my dodge 880 convertible with an 383. Followed the factory manual. Dropped steering linkage ,but the front crossmember will not give me enough clearance to drop the pan down to slide it out. Looks like the engine has to be raised to get more clearance . That's not in the manual.
Im I missing something? Maybe it have a different oil pan than stock. I don't know the history of the car.
I know someone out there will have the answer.

 

[BillGrissom]

I removed the oil pan in my 1965 383 when I re-ringed the engine during a head job years ago. I don't recall having to jack the engine up, but wouldn't have been hard, so I might have forgot. Just loosen the motor mounts first. Probably only need 2" to give plenty of room. Many lift the engine using a block of wood under the oil pan. If so, slide blocks of wood under the motor mounts to hold it up and remove the jack. I prefer using a rod to a point on the block. I had to lift the 273 in my Dart to get room to remove the pan. It has a nice hole in the bottom of the block to insert the rod. Don't recall on a 383.

 

[Dchappy]

Thanks. I'll try that method. Do I have to disconnect anything else on the motor?
I have to change the pan, since someone previously tried to jack the motor up and put a nice dent in it.

 

[bulldogchesty]

I also removed my oil pan with out jacking up the engine 1968 Newport 383. good luck.

 

[Charlie's 66 Fury]

I would like to know if I can remove the oil pan on my 1966 Plymouth Fury with a 383 engine without raising the engine?

 

[Boydsdodge]

You may need new engine mounts, I am doing engine mounts in my Imperial after trying to change spark plugs. I found it odd that the plugs were so close to frame, looked at mounts, and they had collapsed at least an inch. That inch on both side at an angle will lift engine more then an inch.

 

[Charlie's 66 Fury]

That is a great point. I will check the engine mounts right away. Where did you purchase your engine mounts at?

 

[Boydsdodge]

Good question on where to get mounts. You can order a set at your local parts store and you will receive offshore copies of copies. They will be either close to fit or you may luck out and they will fit. I had a few pair of NORS mounts, using the last pair on my Imperial. Depends on the car and the use, If I was going to be hammering the throttle, I would got a pair of the mancini mounts or mighty mounts. stock driver, just go for the parts store. Really nice original show car, go NOS or NORS mounts.

 

[Boydsdodge]

You will have to lift the engine to swap out mounts, pan will slide out, then after pan swap you can install mounts all in one job.

 

[Charlie's 66 Fury]

That's exactly what I was thinking; thank you again for your time and info. Very helpful.