Centerlink grinding on 440 oil pan

[standup303]

Hey all, still working out kinks from dropping a 440 in my 69 Dart last fall. Noticed my centerlink has been grinding on my oil pan in the spot in pic attached. This oil pan is from Mancini specifically for a 440 in an A Body. I bought some 3/8” motor mount shims hoping that would do it but barely helped. This pic is WITH the 3/8” shims installed and car on jacks. Once weight is back on the ground it’s definitely still grinding.

I saw 440 Source had a dropped centerlink but only for 73-76. Any tips on getting some clearance here? Grind the center link down?

 

[Professor Fate]

Did you use the big block idler and pitman arms?
Firmfeel Mopar Suspension and Steering
May also be available elsewhere, but used as an example. Big blocks used a separate part number.
I would not grind on the centerlink, I'd dimple the pan before grinding the centerlink.

 

[RustyRatRod]

That mount doesn't look right. Seems like it oughtta be on the perch better. The biscuit also looks suspiciously thin.

 

[standup303]

Did you use the big block idler and pitman arms?
Firmfeel Mopar Suspension and Steering
May also be available elsewhere, but used as an example. Big blocks used a separate part number.
I would not grind on the centerlink, I'd dimple the pan before grinding the centerlink.

I don’t think so. Idler I ordered from rock auto probably for a 340 dart and pitman came with my Borgeson from Bergman.

 

[standup303]

That mount doesn't look right. Seems like it oughtta be on the perch better. The biscuit also looks suspiciously thin.

Schumacher mounts. This is how it shows them installed.

 

[RustyRatRod]

Schumacher mounts. This is how it shows them installed.

Well that just doesn't look right. At all.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Well that just doesn't look right. At all

I'm with you RRR, not just the conversion mounts but the factory SB mounts as well.

I don't know why they couldn't make the mount on the engine and the mount on the k member lineup

 

[oldkimmer]

The rubber mount for a 72 up truck may work for u. Do u have the shim between the tranny mount and the trans? Kim

 

[33IMP]

I'd call 440 source and ask WHY it's only listed for 73 up?
I believe some of the guys on the B-side are using the dropped link on early b-bodies.
DONT grind on the center link. I'd try and find a way to lift the motor more. If that doesn't succeed, I'd modify the pan. It sure wouldn't be the first pan I've welded on.

 

[71GSSDemon]

I went to through this with mine. I'd have to try and find the thread. The 73 up had the center link mount to he bottom of the pitman and idler instead of on top. Not sure if that makes sense. The pitman and idler have the stud hanging down, vs up. It gains the rest of the clearance i needed. The pic isn't necessarily the correct parts but shows what i am saying.

Edit, found it. Pitman Arm Help

 

[mygasser]

i'd add another shim, but above the insulator this time. cheap enough to try before getting into more expensive parts for sure.
neil.

 

[Daves69]

...This oil pan is from Mancini specifically for a 440 in an A Body.....

Several have had issues with that pan. The notch is just too far forward. You understand "...close, but no cigar"?........

 

[standup303]

I went to through this with mine. I'd have to try and find the thread. The 73 up had the center link mount to he bottom of the pitman and idler instead of on top. Not sure if that makes sense. The pitman and idler have the stud hanging down, vs up. It gains the rest of the clearance i needed. The pic isn't necessarily the correct parts but shows what i am saying.

Edit, found it. Pitman Arm Help

View attachment 1716410193

So you went 73-76 idler, center link and the Moog 7075 pitman and it cleared the pan? And that pitman worked on small sector power steering box?

 

[standup303]

The rubber mount for a 72 up truck may work for u. Do u have the shim between the tranny mount and the trans? Kim

No shim between the mount and trans.

 

[standup303]

i'd add another shim, but above the insulator this time. cheap enough to try before getting into more expensive parts for sure.
neil.

The 3/8” shims put the mount studs so high up I could barely get to the nuts inside the k frame as is. I don’t think I can fit a thicker shim.

 

[standup303]

I’d rather take a hammer to the pan at this point. I’m nervous that rub spot is already thin though. May just give it a go.

 

[standup303]

always forget about the big block dart site. 71GSSDemon I believe this pic is exactly what worked for you? I may just go this route. Thought I was buying new mufflers but I guess this takes priority.

 

[mygasser]

The 3/8” shims put the mount studs so high up I could barely get to the nuts inside the k frame as is. I don’t think I can fit a thicker shim.

i meant the other side of the rubber insulator so there would then be one above it and the one already below.
neil.

 

[standup303]

i meant the other side of the rubber insulator so there would then be one above it and the one already below.
neil.

Ah I gotcha

 

[HemiSSDart]

You need the 893 pan if you want zero issues...

 

[standup303]

You need the 893 pan if you want zero issues...

I bought this oil pan package from Mancini that is specifically for a RB in an A body to avoid this. I have sent them an email. Frustrating.
MRE - A-Body Oil Pan Power Package

 

[oldkimmer]

I bought this oil pan package from Mancini that is specifically for a RB in an A body to avoid this. I have sent them an email. Frustrating.
MRE - A-Body Oil Pan Power Package

Dam, that sucks. I wonder how many unsuspecting customers have already bought that pan kit? Kim

 

[71GSSDemon]

The pan I was using was a C body 187. Now I have the 7qt on from 440Source. Very heavy duty! I can take pictures of my set up if you want.

 

[Desoto291hemi]

The pan I was using was a C body 187. Now I have the 7qt on from 440Source. Very heavy duty! I can take pictures of my set up if you want.

Take a few pics please,,,,we can never have enough information regarding this situation .
There is nothing like a pic to really show the point .

Tommy

 

[71GSSDemon]

Here is my set up