Removing oil pan with 3 piece cross member - having trouble
10-08-2011, 07:01 PM
#1
Racer
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Removing oil pan with 3 piece cross member - having trouble
Hey all - I need to remove the oil pan - I have the Lindsey Racing 3 piece cross member - I can't seem to get the power steering rack out - even with the center section of the cross member removed. It looks like I need to remove the drivers side section of the cross member to get clearance, but this requires supporting the engine from the top - the whole purpose for having the 3 piece cross member in the first place, so I thought...... Any advice ???
10-08-2011, 08:48 PM
#2
I just finished installing my oil pan today with a LR 3 piece x-member. I just disconnected the steering rack from the x-member, and let it hang. Gave plenty of clearance to get the oil pan in and out
By "steering rack out" are you trying to completely remove it from the car? Did you disconnect the lines? If not did you undo the pump from the balance shaft bracket?
By "steering rack out" are you trying to completely remove it from the car? Did you disconnect the lines? If not did you undo the pump from the balance shaft bracket?
10-08-2011, 09:33 PM
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Yes - I was going to completely remove it. I have the line disconnected from the pump and I have the rack disconnected from the center section of the cross member. I have the center section removed as well. I'll see if I can get the pan out without removing it.
10-08-2011, 11:38 PM
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I have the intermediate shaft collar loosened up, I haven't been able to get the splined shaft completely separated from the rack. I keep hitting the driver side part of the cross member when I try to pull it down. Access is tight ! This is a power steering rack, fyi.
10-09-2011, 12:35 AM
#6
Your car sounds very similar to mine. I had no issues disconnecting the rack from the shaft. It can get hung up on the cutout for the bolt, I noticed. Just gotta keep working it to get it loose. Try putting the tip of a large standard screwdriver in the intermediate shaft and trying to spread it a little. I did that and it seemed to help. Once you get it down, the oil pan access is great!
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10-09-2011, 09:34 PM
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Finally got that s.o.b. out. Had to remove the exhaust - the SFR 3" was in the way and I could not access a few of the bolts in the pan. I also had to loosen the A/C and move it out of the way as well. What a PITA job. 
10-09-2011, 11:15 PM
#9
Ah, I don't have AC, and just unbolted the alternator. I was able to get at the bolts around the DP with a U-joint. Glad you finally got it down tho! It may be a PITA, but at least you had the 3 piece cross member!
