67-72 BigBlock 4x4s! Pos pics info here.

[muscletrucks]

Would a body lift kit help clearance issues?

[Todd Johnson]

A firend of mine works on Fords and runs into the same problem about engine placement. Just because the trucks are from the same plant doesn't mean everything fits the same. I have two 4x4's with 454's in them. The 1968 I moved the engine Forward aprox. 2" and put 2wd Jethot headers. Small moons had to be made in frame for a good factory look. The 1970 was not moved forward. It has low cut valve covers and the drive side is still tight.
The exhaust manifold is still stock. Both trucks are long wheel base which helps with the extra weight up front, not so much kick. I had to put bigger lug bolts on because of the added weight. Both trucks are 1/2 tons with power steering. The 68 has disc front and rear and the 70 has disc front.

[Yukon Jack]

Usually a body lift helps with HEI clearance and also with the valve cover clearance - but - I used a body lift and still had clearance issue at the valve covers. Again, you just really won't know until you slide it into place.

[72chevyk10]

just be sure to keep a can of primer near by if needed

[drbyrdman]

iam getting ready to put my 396 together and was wondering what oil pan works with the stock cross member. i heard that the one with the hump in the middle hits. thats the one i have now.

[Yukon Jack]

My 454 came from a 1989 2wd 1 ton - using the stock 1969 sbc engine crossmember the oil pan was extremely close to the crossmember. I ended up cutting the crossmember and adding some material to gain some clearance. Hope that helps a little.

[drbyrdman]

i heard that a stock chevelle one works .

[72chevyk10]

Originally Posted by drbyrdman

i heard that a stock chevelle one works .

i got a 77 454 out of a 3/4 ton burb. im using the stock sbc crossmember and mounts and have about 1-2 inches between the oil pan-crossmember. in other words probly find a truck oil pan

[drbyrdman]

iam going to get a 30710 milodon pan

[CTENTA1]

So you should be able to use the Milodon pan and original small block engine crossmember and have no problems? Cool ill keep that in mind for when it's time to do the conversion.

[Wildstreak]

whats the best way to mount a bb in, I was going to order the DI4Yx crossmemeber or should I just look for a set of bb mounts for the sbc crossmember or replace the whole crossmember and where would I get those parts?

[muscletrucks]

DI4Yx crossmemeber

[Wildstreak]

I was thinking the same thing but I like to make sure Im doing the right thing before jumping into the project... I dont want to or should say I wont be bashing or cutting my cab to make room for it.

[Yukon Jack]

You will probably need to move the engine forward a bit to make it fit. This thread has lots of good info on this subject.

[superchevy]

I used the DIY crossmember and it did not fit well...when I bolted it to the frame, it pulled the frame rails in...moving the engine mounts in by a 1/4"...I actually had to get the hot-wrench out and heat up the center of the crossmember, then use a porta-power to "spread" the frame rails back out to where they should be...stretching the crossmember at the same time.
I also installed a 2" body lift. I had to "clearance" the firewall for the HEI and tall valvecovers...as it is, I have about a 1/4" of clearance between the valvecovers and the firewall...I figure they will "self-clearance" when I get on the 468. I had to notch the frame a lot to clear the Corvette manifolds...so much so on the pass side, that I had to box it in with 1/4" plate to stiifen that part of the frame..(really wanted run those manifolds, lol).
Note: I did not move the drivetrain forward. I should have. Would have given more clearance all the way around.
Here are some pics

[-Greg72]

SuperChevy,

Those aren't stock valve covers are they???

They look like the correct stamped steel "style" of cover but maybe a bit taller.... I'm trying to find a retro-looking set for my 502, but I am hearing that the stock BBC covers won't clear the rockers. I suppose I could use a set of valvecover spacers as a last resort.


-G

[Wildstreak]

has anyone else ran into problems with the DI4Yx crossmember?

[Chevy1TonFun]

The DIY4X didn't clear my oil pan and the motor sat really low, which caused header clearance. I had Kurt send me an new one that needed to be welded together so that I can build to fit.

[Wildstreak]

when I call to order it I guess Ill just tell them Im putting in a 454 and see what they have to say? and what kind of oil pan are you using, aka like an older truck 454 or out of a car?

[Chevy1TonFun]

I am using a Moroso 20413



Good Luck!

[Wildstreak]

do you think you would have had problems with a stock pan?

[Chevy1TonFun]

Its hard to say what BBC pan clears the DIY4X Crossmember. Anyone else had any luck.

[superchevy]

It clears my pan by a 3/8". They need to raise the mounts a little and deepen the bend in the middle for better clearance. I see they have a new bolt-together crossmember...wish I had that one.

[Chevy1TonFun]

I have the bolt together one and I still had issues.

[6600DURAMAX]

pics