Explorer Cast Aluminum Pan and Pickup

[fishinman78]

I have done some searching and reading about the Explorer oil pans

I have a 1997 Explorer engine that has the cast aluminum pan that is in nice shape.

I'm considering changing over to the steel pan for the strength. The question that I haven't found and answer to is will the pick up for the cast pan work with the steel pan or do I have to replace the pickup as well if I go with the steel pan.

 

[Boss Hugg]

a 5.0 with an aluminum pan???

 

[399strokerEB]

If I remember correctly it needs to be changed. The pickup on the aluminum pan is different than one from a steel pan, at least from what I've seen.

 

[73azbronco]

You always, never say always, but always need to use the pickup for the pan you use. No, it won't work, it may work, but not correctly.

How do you know? Take a chunk of modeling clay, lay it under the pickup screen and bolt in the oil pan with a few botls. Then unbolt and see how much space you have. 1/4 inch is what I've seen.

 

[399strokerEB]

Another question, why would oil pan strength be a factor? Is something hitting it? The aluminum pan is a lot thicker than the steel, and the gasket flange area is stiffer for better sealing and less chance of over tightening of the gasket.

 

[sykanr0ng]

Another question, why would oil pan strength be a factor? Is something hitting it? The aluminum pan is a lot thicker than the steel, and the gasket flange area is stiffer for better sealing and less chance of over tightening of the gasket.

If you smack a sheet steel oil pan with a rock you get a dent in it.

If you smack a cast aluminum oil pan with a rock sometimes a chunk of it falls out.

 

[399strokerEB]

How are you getting a rock up there lol.

 

[garberz]

If you smack a sheet steel oil pan with a rock you get a dent in it.

If you smack a cast aluminum oil pan with a rock sometimes a chunk of it falls out.

I’ve been running the aluminum pan since 13’. I haven’t hit it yet. Trans pan is aluminum also. The front axle seems to do a good job at protecting the oil pan.

Mark

 

[fishinman78]

I’ve been running the aluminum pan since 13’. I haven’t hit it yet. Trans pan is aluminum also. The front axle seems to do a good job at protecting the oil pan.

Mark

I think I will just run the aluminum pan. My rig is going be a LUBR and I can't forsee any situation where a rock will come through the pan.

Plus I wont have to spend any additional money!

 

[Yeller]

I just replaced the pan on mine, hit it in a lead footed off-road dust show ant bent the track bar bracket enough for the front end to hit it and crack it.

 

[Boss Hugg]

I just replaced the pan on mine, hit it in a lead footed off-road dust show ant bent the track bar bracket enough for the front end to hit it and crack it.

well don't do that! ;D