Challenger 440 Center Link Rubbing Oil Pan

[Eric440]

Good afternoon all,

I’ve been trying to get this car back together for years now and finally putting the steering/suspension back together. Using all factory parts, minus Hotchkis tie rods, my original center link wants to rub the oil pan. Oil pan is a Mopar 7 qt. deep sump. Was originally a 318 car, but had a 383 in it when I bought the car and had no issues. I also swapped out the 727 for a Tremec TKO600 5-speed.

 

[Challenger RTA]

Just a thought,is it on backwards? maybe something simple.

 

[Eric440]

Just a thought,is it on backwards? maybe something simple.

Thank you for the quick response Challenger RTA. I’ll check it and post a photo. I’m just worried it’s the pan.

 

[70chall440]

How badly is it rubbing and where is it rubbing on the pan? If the center link is on right there are a couple different ways to deal with it;

• shim the motor mounts and slide the trans mount back (need to check the driveshaft yoke
• massage the oil pan where it is rubbing with a hammer (sounds like far worse than it is)
• change the oil pan

 

[AUSTA]

Is the tremec mount high enough i had to add a 3/8 spacer for tail shaft alignment would also help bring the rear of the sump up, check the link should have the curve facing the rear of the car

 

[Daves69]

Maybe these dimensions can help if the trans is not the issue............

 

[Eric440]

Maybe these dimensions can help if the trans is not the issue............
View attachment 84837

Afternoon gents,

I went back and got some pics for you to analyze. In the first few shots you can see how close it is and where it’s rubbing. This is with the steering turned full lock to the right, and then almost back straight. Then, the last photo shows you the depth of the pan above the link itself. This was a Mopar 7 qt. pan that came with the engine when I bought it (not the 6 qt pictured above from Daves69).

 

[Challenger RTA]

1 Peen the oil pan. 2 as 70 call440 said.shim the motor mounts and slide the trans mount 3 change oil pan.4 Myself I would like to know whats wrong.bad motor mounts or holes? 5 Take advantive of problem.If there is enough taper to the oil pan? upgrade to a longer pit man arm and idler arm.

 

[Daves69]

Did you consider post #5? That's where I would look first if I "had to have" that pan. A spacer is cheap, but don't forget about your fan / shroud clearance.

 

[Eric440]

Did you consider post #5? That's where I would look first if I "had to have" that pan. A spacer is cheap, but don't forget about your fan / shroud clearance.

I did try raising the trans and I can only go about 3/8”, which only gives me another 1/8” at the pan. So isn’t enough to clear.

 

[Daves69]

I did try raising the trans and I can only go about 3/8”, which only gives me another 1/8” at the pan. So isn’t enough to clear.

Can ya' add a 1/4" of shim on the engine mounts? Again, consider clearances.
This is what Schumacher sold in various thickness' when in business.......

 

[moparleo]

How much clearance do you think you need? It is not really a moving part(oil pan) so it doesn't need much unless your mounts have too much play.
Too much play means other problems. Not to worry too much . An inch is as good as a mile unless you are off roading ( Not likely).

 

[Eric440]

How much clearance do you think you need? It is not really a moving part(oil pan) so it doesn't need much unless your mounts have too much play.
Too much play means other problems. Not to worry too much . An inch is as good as a mile unless you are off roading ( Not likely).

It is the tightest against the pan when the wheels are straight (castle nuts aren’t even tight on the link yet), but I would think 1/4” would be enough at that point. If I used a couple of these shims, I would probably need them to be .375”.

 

[moparlee]

Why don't you just ditch that deep pan and get yourself the 6 qt Hemi pan, 7 qts with filter.

 

[Eric440]

Why don't you just ditch that deep pan and get yourself the 6 qt Hemi pan, 7 qts with filter.

Probably what I am going to do. I believe that is the only real solution. Next question is, can I change the pan and sump without lifting the engine?

 

[Rapidfire]

Should be able to drop the pan. I've done it a few times without lifting the engine.

 

[Eric440]

Should be able to drop the pan. I've done it a few times without lifting the engine.

Alright! Pretty relieved to have found out the issue. Still, a little nervous thinking about changing the pan, but is what it is.

 

[Flchallenger]

Well I have a 6qt pan and it rubs as well. I have girddle on the lower end so that probably pushes the pan down a a little to. I didn't know you could shim the motor mounts.

 

[Dodgeboy]

I have a Mildon 7qt pan on my '74 chally, was a 318 car, now a 383. I also used Schumacher engine mounts and I've got no issues. (Stock idler/centerlink/tierods)

 

[moparleo]

Schumacher products available again soon.

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