Ebbsvette

ok, im trying to remove my oil pan and replace it. The problem im running into is the steering links are not wanting to come off. I unbolted them, but they hold fast to each other. I tried tapping it with a hammer, but to no avail. Any advice on how i should go about this? i tried to do a search but my comp. wouldnt let me pull up the search engine. Thanks


[Modified by Ebbsvette, 12:28 PM 4/2/2004]

ddecart

You're trying to remove the steering links, right?

Loosen the castle nuts that are on them, shove a pickle fork in the joint and give it a whack. Don't be bashful, whack those suckers pretty hard and they'll pop apart. Just make sure you leave the nut on a little bit so they stay contained when they pop out.

The first time I tried to do it I was being a bit cautious and not zealous enough with the hammer.

Sleper

You need a pickle fork. It is a tool specifically for this. If you know a mechanic you may be able to borrow one. Good luck.

Ebbsvette

thank you guys. So leave the nut on alil then? gotcha. Ill go to my friend and grab one right now.

Solid LT1

Unbolt the idler arm on the passenger side and the steering linkage should move low enough to allow you to remove the oil pan on any 63-82 Vette I have ever worked on. Please don't ask me why I know this proceedure so well, it is sometimes painful to remeber the lessons of the early years of engine building and trying to make a wet sump oil system perform on a road race or autocross course.

theandies

Just unbolt the idler arm from the right side of the frame. This will allow the steering linkage to drop enough to get the pan out. Doing it this way you don't have to separate any tierod ends.

Ebbsvette

ok. Ill give that a try first. Thank you :D

Fevre

You only have to remove one side of the linkage, I remove the passenger side then the linkage will rotate far enough out of the way to drop the pan. And you do have to :smash: the hell out of it to break it free but do get the pickle fork, less than $10 at most any parts store.

Ebbsvette

woo...it worked....you guys are great. Now up to the parts store to get a new gasket, cause the one they gave me was wrong, and my car will beback together. Thanks again

ddecart

Putting in a one-piece gasket? They're pretty nice :thumbs:

Fevre

:iagree:

Edzred72

:iagree: The only way to go :iagree: Got pwr steering???...you can also unbolt the cylinder mount bracket from the frame on the other side. That will give additional clearance.
Eddie


[Modified by Silvr77, 1:17 PM 4/2/2004]