prefered dipsticks

[cheyenne10]

I am adding BB and T400 to 4x4. What are preferences and options if any for dipsticks. I know my stock T350 tranny dipstick is a pain to get to. With new paint someday I will be more parinoid on leaning over fenders.

I also will be using stock AC so it is going to get crowded in engine bay.

Pics always help.

Any advise?

[jhow66]

Lokar makes one-got one on my 502

[Tx Firefighter]

I always use late model tran dipsticks and tubes. They are much longer, and have the flip lock top on them.

[cheyenne10]

Any pics of late model unit? Do you buy them from dealer? Are their differences in them as far as where full mark is and should be?

[cheyenne10]

My pan on 454 is a 396 pan. Can I still get this part from GM? If so any idea on cost and part number? (I neeed dipstick and tube)

[CG]

i used one off a van on my 4x4 it comes up way forward with no problems reaching it. im not sure how they would work on a big block though, mine is 350ci. i dont know what to suggest for the tranny, but if tx firefighter suggests something id take his advice.

[Tx Firefighter]

I just tell my parts guy I want a trans dipstick and tube out of a late model Turbo 400 or whatever. They have a cool little plastic handle on top with a flip lock that secures it in place.

On the oil dipstick, on my 454, I had to run a normal dipstick and tube. Apparantly, the later model big blocks use a different pan than the early ones did, so you're stuck with the old fashioned loop handle oil dipstick if you have an early pan.

All of these parts are dealer stocking items and priced pretty much the same as aftermarket chrome cheapies. The GM stuff fits better and doesn't leak like the cheapies do though.

[Tx Firefighter]

I found a picture of my 454 and turbo 400. You can see both the trans and engine dipsticks if you look close. Again, all GM stuff.

The trans dipstick is the red thing back by the distributor.

I have part numbers on my home computer if you need them.

[arkracing]

If you want it to come forward so you don't have to lean over...get a tranny dipstick from a van.

I don't know about the BBC - maybe for a 1ton box truck with a BBC in it????
might be stuck with the stock one

[69 Short Fleet]

I have a Lokar engine dipstick, it has no sleave just a "o-ring" on it and fits directly into the block. It's kinda hard to reach but it works and looks kinda cool.

[cheyenne10]

Local dealer sold me engine tube and dipstick but dipstick was about 3" too long. We marked needed length (from friends dipstick) but dealer said did not have one. Supposedly it was popular dipstick on early BBC. Remember this is 69 396 pan on 85 454 block.

[cheyenne10]

Any suggestions?